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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Enrolments.

Michael Ring

Question:

142 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect on enrolment the proposed new secondary school in Newport will have on Westport, Achill and Belmullet secondary schools. [23581/01]

Michael Ring

Question:

143 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the projected enrolment for the first five years of the proposed new secondary school in Newport, County Mayo; the facilities that will be provided in this school; and the number of pupils it has been designed to accommodate. [23582/01]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.

Until the catchment area for the proposed new post-primary school in Newport, County Mayo, has been determined, it would not be possible to say precisely what effect this school will have on enrolments in the Westport, Achill, and Belmullet schools. The views of school management authorities in these centres will be sought and fully considered before the configuration of the catchment area is decided.

Preliminary enrolment projections for the proposed school, based on an estimated intake of 40 pupils per annum completing a six year cycle, would suggest an overall enrolment of 220 pupils after six years. However, it will be not be possible to give a more accurate estimation of long-term enrolment until the catchment area has been finalised.

A 6.25 acre site has been purchased by County Mayo VEC at Barrack Hill, Newport and architectural planning is under way to provide a permanent structure to cater for the short-term needs of the school. The facilities to be provided are two general classrooms, one science laboratory and preparation area, one woodwork room and store, one home economics room, one commerce-computer room, a general purpose dining area and kitchenette, an administration area and a changing area and toilets. The overall accommodation requirements of the school will be kept under review in the light of emerging enrolment trends.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 141.

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