asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that the children of the townlands of Meentishesk, Loughnalocraman, Largynacarra and Meenabul in the Ardara district, Co. Donegal, have to make a dangerous descent of one thousand feet down a precipitous mountain path to reach the nearest national school, and if he will state whether a petition has been received from the parents of those children for the erection of a new school for this outpost of the Gaeltacht, and, if so, if he will state what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Accommodation in Donegal.
An application from the local parties for the establishment of a school for the children of the families in the townlands referred to by the Deputy has been received through the parish priest of Ardara. The issue has been investigated by my Department, and I gather that there are twenty-two children in the district. The homes of the majority are not more than two miles distant from the nearest school. It is unlikely, having regard to the number and ages of the children, that a school, if established, would maintain a sufficient average attendance for its continued recognition for more than a few years, and, in addition, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to secure the services of a teacher in view of the local conditions.
I am advised that the only path by which the children affected may travel to the nearest school is on the side of a precipitous hill, but the provision of a more suitable means of communication is not a matter for my Department.
My Department would not be warranted, on the facts as disclosed, in making grants for the establishment of a new school.