John Bruton
Question:435 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science when a new school or new facilities will be provided for St. Joseph's secondary school, Athboy, County Meath. [6669/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
St. Joseph's secondary school is one of two schools currently serving the post-primary school needs of Athboy, County Meath, the other school being St. James's vocational school.
The management authorities at St. Joseph's have for some time been seeking approval for improved or replacement accommodation for the school. However, my Department has long been of the view that Athboy post-primary centre, with an overall projected enrolment of less than 500 students, would be best served by a single, amalgamated school. This issue has been the subject of many meetings between officials of the planning and building unit of my Department, the Mercy Sisters, as trustees of St. Joseph's secondary school, and County Meath VEC. Unfortunately, discussions to date have been inconclusive, and I am advised by my officials that there is little immediate prospect of agreement between the trustees on a single school development.
Notwithstanding the impasse with regard to a single school, I have asked the planning and building unit of my Department to arrange for a technical inspection of the existing accommodation at St. Joseph's to be carried out to determine what remedial action is required. Following that inspection, a decision will be taken on how best to address the school's accommodation needs, taking account of the overall needs of the area.
Paul Connaughton
Question:436 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a meeting scheduled for 18 January 2002 between the Holy Rosary College authorities, Mountbellew, Ballinasloe, County Galway, and his Department was cancelled; when this meeting will now take place; if his attention has been drawn to the huge overcrowding in the Holy Rosary College and the urgency in getting approval for the proposed extension and refurbishment of this college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6671/02]
It was necessary to postpone the meeting. This was discussed with the school authorities which agreed to reschedule the meeting. Arrangements are currently being made to reschedule it.
An application has just been received for temporary accommodation from the Holy Rosary College. It is being examined by Department staff who will report to the school very shortly.
Denis Naughten
Question:437 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure the retention of St. Joseph's secondary school, Newtownforbes, County Longford in view of the completion of the report by a person (details supplied) on the school and the submission of a proposal to his Department's building unit. [6684/02]
The submission referred to by the Deputy is under consideration in the planning section of my Department and the relevant parties will be notified of the outcome of this review at the earliest opportunity.