Michael Ring
Question:280 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of his meeting with the delegation seeking a secondary school for Newport, County Mayo. [9799/98]
Written Answers - Second Level Schools.
Michael Ring
Question:281 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the proposed new secondary school for Newport, County Mayo. [9800/98]
Michael Ring
Question:282 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the decision, if any, reached on conclusion of the examination of the feasibility study carried out by his Department in relation to a proposed secondary school in Newport, County Mayo. [9801/98]
Enda Kenny
Question:300 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used by his Department for the establishment of a new secondary school within an existing catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9984/98]
Enda Kenny
Question:301 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has decided on the application received for the setting up of a second level school in Newport, County Mayo; if he will give approval to the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9986/98]
Enda Kenny
Question:302 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in attendance at second level schools in Westport and Achill, County Mayo, who reside in what was the original second level school catchment area of Newport, County Mayo, prior to amalgamation a number of years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9987/98]
Enda Kenny
Question:303 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the name and location of each primary school within what was the original Newport second level catchment area of County Mayo; the numbers attending these schools; the number of children under four years of age in these primary school catchment areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9988/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 280, 281, 282, 300, 301, 302 and 303 together.
I recently met a deputation regarding an application for the provision of a post primary school in Newport, County Mayo. I undertook to consider the matter subsequently in the light of the case made by the deputation and the outcome of a study carried out by my Department in the matter. I expect to be in a position to take a decision in the matter in the near future.
An application for the provision of a new post primary school in an existing catchment area is considered by my Department in the light of a number of factors. These would include the availability of sufficient pupils to maintain a viable school, the ability of the potential operator to provide a reasonably wide range of subject options, the level of support demonstrated by the local community for the proposed school, impact on existing schools and the best interests of the pupils in question. General developments in an area, such as housing and industrial developments, would also be taken into account in arriving at a decision. In a broader context, the Government's commitment to the development and maintenance of educational facilities in smaller communities, particularly in the west would also be considered.
Newport secondary school closed in 1968. It is difficult to be precise as to the number of pupils from the original area of that school now attending schools in Westport and Achill. However, the numbers are estimated at 220 and 40, respectively.
There have been a number of closures and amalgamations of primary schools in the former Newport secondary school area since its closure. Details of the existing primary schools from which a post primary school in Newport might enrol pupils are given in the attached tabular statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report. Information regarding the number of children under four years of age in the area is not held in my Department.
Primary Schools in the General Newport Area 1997-98 Enrolments
|
Year |
Newport N.S. |
An Choill Mhór N.S., Newport |
Cloondaff N.S. Newport |
Mulranny N.S. |
|
1997-98 |
201 |
47 |
30 |
55 |