Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 9

Written Answers. - County Limerick Schools.

Michael Finucane

Question:

38 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education if she has made a final decision on the provision of a secondary school in Askeaton, County Limerick; if it is her intention to proceed with the establishment of the school to cater for the expanding number of second level pupils in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Michael Finucane

Question:

41 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the alternative plans she has to provide secondary education for the pupils of the Convent of Mercy secondary school, Foynes, County Limerick now that the sisters have announced their intention to withdraw from the provision of education in this establishment.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose taking Questions Nos. 38 and 41 together. There are four post primary schools in what is known as the west Limerick catchment area: Stella Maris secondary school, Foynes, managed by the Mercy Order; Shanagolden vocational school under County Limerick VEC; Schoil Muire, Askeaton, a secondary school under lay management; the Salesian College, Palleskenry.

I have recently approved, in principle, the provision of new accommodation at Scoil Mhuire secondary school, Askeaton. In this regard, the manager of the school has now submitted detailed documentation to my Department where it is currently being examined.

With regard to the Stella Maris secondary school, Foynes, the school management, the Mercy Order in the Limerick diocese, have informed my Department of their intention of withdrawing from mangement at the end of the academic year 1995.

Arising from this decision, a meeting with all four post primary managements in this catchment area is being held in my Department on the 18 February to discuss the development of second level education in the west Limerick area. In that light, it would be premature of me to discuss in detail what provision is to be made for post primary pupils in the Foynes area in advance of a full discussion on the issues by the parties most directly concerned.