asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that the failure to provide a new school at Cloonagh, Mullinaughda, County Longford, has resulted in the entire roll of 67 children being prevented by their parents from attending the old one; if he will use his offices to have the dispute settled immediately; and if he will have arrangements for the new school expedited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Longford School.
12.
As the number of pupils attending Cloonagh national school would not be sufficient to warrant the erection of a three-teacher school it has been decided not to proceed with the building of a new school there. It is proposed instead to carry out a major improvement scheme to the existing school to render it suitable for a number of years until the future school provision for the area can be finally determined.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the parents of these children have collected quite an amount of money by way of local contribution and so on? I should like to know how far the present plans will meet the wishes of the people. It is a serious matter.
The Deputy will be aware that there were amalgamation proposals in that area which, because of local opposition, did not actually come to fruition. It was found necessary to change the plans and to make provision for an extension and improvement to the existing school. All I can tell the Deputy is that the Department are quite satisfied. They have been advised that proper toilet facilities will be provided and other necessary remedial works will be carried out. The school will be fully serviced.