Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Future of Cork School.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

317 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education the reason South Presentation Secondary School, Cork, is to close; if her attention has been drawn to the inconvenience and disruption being caused to the pupils of the junior cycle whose parents were told this week that they must find another secondary school for their children for next year; if the closure of the school can be avoided; if not, the steps, if any, she is taking to place students in alternative secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3474/94]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The South Presentation Secondary School, Cork, is a voluntary secondary school owned and managed by the Presentation Sisters.

The future of the school has been under consideration by the Trustees, in the light of:

—the rapidly declining enrolment, down from 408 in 1989-90 to 176 in the current school year,

—the decline in the intake of new pupils each year, down from over 40 in September 1989 to 19 in September 1994.

—the major level of refurbishment which would be required to bring the school building up to an acceptable standard.

In the light of the above factors the Trustees decided that there was no option but to close the school on a phased basis. Accordingly there will be no intake of new pupils from September 1995.

From inquiries made by my Department I understand that parents have been informed of the Trustees decision, and also that every effort will be made to enable existing junior pupils to complete the junior cycle in the school.

My Department will assist in whatever way possible in ensuring that the phasing out process will be completed with the minimum disruption to both pupils and staff.

In this context I am satisfied that there are sufficient postprimary school places in the general area presently served by the South Presentation Secondary School to cater for the future needs of that area.