Charles Flanagan
Question:377 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education if she will outline her plans for the development of second level educational structures in Portlaoise, County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Portlaoise (Laois) Second Level Education Facilities.
There are three post-primary schools in Portlaoise with a total enrolment of 1,149 pupils. Major building projects had been mooted for two of the schools — the CBS and the vocational school. In accordance with standard practice, discussions were initiated with the school managements on the issue of rationalisation.
The need for rationalisation has been accepted by the managements of all three post-primary schools in the centre and discussions and consultations among all the interested parties, including parents and teachers, are being conducted at local level.
I would not wish to anticipate the outcome of these local discussions but I would hope that local consensus and agreement on the future provision of post-primary facilities in Portlaoise will emerge in the near future.