Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 1

Written Answers. - Portlaoise (Laois) School Buildings.

Liam Hyland

Question:

38 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing and unresolved problem concerning the provision of post-primary school buildings in Portlaoise, County Laois; the action, if any, she will take to enter into planning for the provision of acceptable facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6223/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware that some of the post-primary school accommodation in Portlaoise, County Laois is not satisfactory.

As I indicated to the House on 11 October 1994, my Department considers that the most appropriate arrangement for the future provision of post-primary education in Portlaoise would be the development of a single school, formed through an amalgamation of the existing three schools in the town.

At a meeting held locally in 1991, opposition was expressed by parents and teachers to the development of a single school, a community college under the aegis of County Laois vocational education committee. The basis of the opposition was that a single school would be too large and that a Community College management was not acceptable. It was not possible to progress the matter further at the time because of this opposition.

A review of the future needs of the centre, being undertaken in my Department, is nearing completion. I will consider the matter further when this review is completed.