asked the Minister for Education the plans she has, if any, in relation to proposals to build a new community college at Sixmilebridge, County Clare.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - New Community College.
12.
My Department have examined the post primary education needs of the Sixmilebridge area a number of times within the last few years and has concluded on each occasion that the provision of a new post primary school at Sixmilebridge is not warranted. The pupils from Sixmilebridge can be accommodated at the existing schools in Shannon and at other schools, where they have for long traditionally attended, in adjoining catchment areas.
The Minister will be aware that there is a very serious situation developing in the whole catchment area and already there is considerable hardship due to the fact that children are divided into a number of catchments which is creating problems with regard to school transport. I am sure the Minister is also aware that an application has been made to her Department by the vocational committee for permission to sanction the purchase of a site at Sixmilebridge which is available from the county council at a reasonable figure. Could the Minister say if she is prepared to sanction the purchase of this site bearing in mind that the school will be essential in the Sixmilebridge area very shortly?
I do not have anything to add to the answer I gave the Deputy. The Department, with all their research into the provision of second level schools in the area, do not feel justified in providing a new post primary school at Sixmilebridge. Therefore, no other question arises in that regard.
Could I draw the Minister's attention to the fact that the schools in Shannon are full to capacity? The school in Scarriff is overcrowded and they are accommodating an extra 50 pupils. Because of the fact that it is essential to have a school in the Sixmilebridge area, it will be necessary to make provision for that now. In that regard, there is a site available at a very small figure which the vocational committee wish to buy. Would the Minister, even at this stage, authorise the purchase of the site as it will be needed in a very short time?
I am afraid that the Deputy is repeating his question. There are surplus places for new students in the area as a result of two second level schools opening in September and no student has failed to secure a place. Therefore, I cannot make a different statement——
What do you make of that, Madeline?
I should like to draw the attention of the House to the fact that there are 21 further balloted questions to be dealt with in ten minutes.
The Minister did not reply to my question. I do not know where the surplus accommodation to which she refers is available because I do not have any knowledge of it. The school has already sought an extension at Shannon.
The enrolment in Shannon Community School in 1985 amounted to 112 pupils and the pupil capacity is 500.
I understand from the Minister's reply that the Department examined the case and found that a new school was not warranted. Will she outline the criteria necessary for a new post primary school to be provided? As Deputy Daly has pointed out, there are more than 70 students travelling each day on the bus from Sixmilebridge.
The Department consider each area carefully. It would be very wrong to apply hard and fast criteria throughout the country in every case. Quite rightly that would be strenuously objected to by Deputies from all sides. In general, the Department have to take account of educational facilities in the area in question. They have to make a judgment about the efficiency of such facilities, the projected growth rate or rate of decline and the output from primary schools. Having carefully examined all the facts and figures and after receiving several deputations, the Department have held to their view. Having looked at the case, I have to share the view that we cannot justify the provision of a new post primary school at Sixmilebridge.
Would the Minister be prepared to reconsider the question of purchasing a site? There is a need for a new school in the area and a site is available in Sixmilebridge, as Deputy Daly has pointed out. Every indicator shows there will be a need for a school very soon.
I can understand the anxiety of Deputies from the area but I have to say that the categoric statement that there is a case for a new school does not stand up. I do not think it would be warranted, in view of what I said about the situation, to spend taxpayers' money on another site.
Will the Minister consider the question of buying a site? Whether she likes it or not, the question of a new school will arise in the next year or two.
The question will not arise in the next year or two.