Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Willie Penrose

Question:

214 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science in relation to St. Joseph's secondary school, Newtownforbes, County Longford, if the school is closed, whether the capacity of the three existing schools (details supplied) in Longford town will be insufficient to cater for student numbers in 2003 and subsequent years; and when an alternative management structure will be put in place to allow enrolment for the next academic year to proceed in view of this projected shortfall. [10681/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Officials of my Department met the group seeking to retain a post-primary school in Newtownforbes as recently as Friday, 22 March, 2002 to address the matter raised by the Deputy. These issues raised at that meeting are now being examined by my Department with a view to determining the most effective way of providing long-term post-primary education in the Longford and Newtownforbes catchment area. As soon as that examination has been completed, recommendations will be submitted to me for consideration.