asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to erect a primary school at Ballinadee, Bandon, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork School.
35.
A survey carried out recently of the pupil potential of the Ballinadee school district revealed that, for the foreseeable future, the number of pupils in attendance at Ballinadee NS would not be sufficient to maintain the present staff of three teachers. It has been decided, therefore, not to proceed with the proposal to build a new school at Ballinadee but, instead, to arrange for the amalgamation of Ballinadee NS with Ballinspittle NS when additional accommodation has been provided at the latter school.
Would the Minister not accept that according to my information 65 children are enrolled at Ballinadee school? Is it not true that working drawings and specifications for the new school were completed in April, 1971, and that the manager was then asked to apply for planning permission to the county council? Was not the position the same then as it is now?
It is true that consideration was given to the provision of a three teacher school but quite obviously, from the figures supplied to the Department after the survey, there would not be sufficient pupils to maintain a three-teacher school and there would not be any point in building one. Instead, it is proposed to amalgamate with Ballinspittle.
Would the Minister not accept that where there are at present 65 children enrolled and the likelihood of an increase in that number in the not too distant future and that in the circumstances such an area is entitled to hold on to its school facilities? Would he not consider reviewing his recent decisions not to go ahead with the building?
No, the opposite is the case. The figures forecast do not point to an increase but to a reduction in the number.