Vol. 458 No. 5
121 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education the current position regarding the proposed amalgamation of Slieverue vocational school, County Kilkenny and the neighbouring Sacred Heart of Mary Secondary School, Waterford; and if an opportunity will be given to the representatives of both schools for a full consultative process prior to any final decision being made. [17265/95]
As I stated in my reply to Dáil Question No. 91 on 5 July last, I have approved, in principle, the provision of a new community school at Ferrybank, County Waterford. This approval was in response to an application from the management authorities of Slievrue vocational school, County Kilkenny, and Sacred Heart Secondary School, Ferrybank, and will involve the amalgamation of those schools.
Officials from my Department met the managements/owners of the schools for discussions prior to my approval of their proposal. The managements were subsequently informed of my decision. School rationalisation is a collaborative process and further meetings with management can be arranged as appropriate. Development of the new school is at an early stage.
