Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Portlaoise Second Level Education Provision.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

510 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education her views on future of second level schooling at Portlaoise, County Laois, with particular reference to amalgamation of schools and future planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [875/94]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

There are three post primary schools in Portlaoise town, i.e., (i) CBS secondary school, boys; (ii) Presentation secondary school, girls; (iii) vocational school, Co-Ed.

My Department considers that the most appropriate arrangement for the future provision of second level education in Portlaoise would be the development of a single school in the centre.

At meetings held locally in 1991 the managements of the three post primary schools in question agreed also that a single school development would best meet the future post primary needs of the area. They further agreed that the single school would be a community college under the aegis of County Laois Vocational Education Committee.

Opposition to a single school development as proposed was expressed by some of the parents and teachers in the secondary schools on the basis that a single school was too large a unit and that a community college management was not acceptable. In the light of the opposition it was not possible to progress the matter further at the time. My Department is presently reviewing the position in Portlaoise with regard to the future development of post primary education facilities.