Vol. 511 No. 6
385 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions, if any, that have taken place with a development company (details supplied) in County Mayo with regard to Stella Maris secondary school, Ballycastle, County Mayo; and the plans, if any, he has to provide funding for the school to be taken over and retained as an educational establishment. [24953/99]
No discussions have taken place between the relevant officials of my Department and the development company referred to by the Deputy.
The trustees of Stella Maris secondary school, Ballycastle, announced on 1 October 1997, their intention to phase out the school over a period of two years, commencing in September 1998.
On 14 January 1998, I met with a deputation representing the parents of pupils at the school, whose objective was to retain Stella Maris as a voluntary secondary school. I indicated that, if the deputation were in a position to secure rental of the school premises and establish the necessary management structures for the continuation of the school, I would review the matter immediately. The deputation has not made any contact with the planning section of my Department since.
In line with the trustees' decision of October 1997, the school did not enrol first year pupils last September and will close at the end of the 1999/2000 school year.
