asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that it is the wish of parents of children attending Rathduane national school, Millstreet, County Cork, that it be kept open; and if he will agree to their wishes.
520.
Written Answers. - Retention of County Cork Schools.
518.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that is the wish of parents of children attending Cloghcula national school, Millstreet, County Cork that it be kept open; and if he will agree to their wishes.
With the permission of the Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 520 together.
My Department obtained agreement in 1974 to the amalgamation of Rathduane and Cloghoola national schools with the two schools in Millstreet in converted and improved former post-primary school buildings.
The scheme for the conversion of the former secondary school for use as a girls' school is now being carried out and it is hoped to start work on the boys' school in the former vocational school building as soon as it is vested in local trustees.
The question of the interim amalgamation of Cloghoola with the Millstreet schools in the existing accommodation is under consideration. It is proposed to hold a local meeting shortly at which the views of local interests may be conveyed to an inspector of my Department.
In view of the advanced stage of planning which has been reached, my Department could not agree to the retention of Cloghoola and Rathduane national schools beyond the date of completion of the accommodation in Millstreet.
519.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that it is the wish of parents of children attending Tullylease National School, County Cork, that it be kept open; and if he will agree to their wishes.
Discussions took place in the period 1973-1975 concerning the amalgamation of Tullylease and Freemount national schools, and arrangements for this purpose were initiated accordingly. The planning of the new central school is now at a very advanced stage and the project should, therefore, proceed. The two schools involved need to be replaced.