Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Closures.

Billy Timmins

Question:

65 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools which have closed down in county Wicklow from 1980 to date; the number of new schools by location as distinct from buildings, which have opened in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7703/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

With the exception of details concerning Bray school project, information regarding the opening and closure of primary schools in County Wicklow for the years 1980 to 1985 is not readily available within my Department. The position since 1986 is as follows:

School openings

Year	Name and Location of School	Roll No.
1981	Bray School Project, Bray.	19754J
1994	Gaelscoil Uí Cheadaigh, Bray	20016D
1996	Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin, Wicklow.	20045K
1998	Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir, Arklow,	20080M

School closures

Year	Name and Location of School	Roll No.
1993	St. Kyran's Special School, Rathdrum	17423
1993	Marino Clinic Special School, Bray	19564
2000	St. Finian's NS, Kilquiggan	18383S

In relation to psychological services, the national educational psychological service agency, currently provides a service to all post-primary schools and approximately 1,800 primary schools. Its first priority must be to expand its service as quickly as possible until all schools have access to it. This service is more than an assessment service, as it includes consultancy work with parents, teachers and school management.

Consideration of specific enhancement projects will be possible after this initial expansion phase has been completed. In the development of its service, NEPS will take account of the numbers of at risk students in each area and will welcome discussions on proposals for addressing areas of particularly great need.