I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I am somewhat disappointed the Minister for Education and Science is not here in person because the issue I am raising is very important in the constituency of Longford-Roscommon. It has been a matter of considerable debate for some time, and it is important that it be addressed urgently. It concerns the need for the Minster for Education and Science to ensure Newtownforbes secondary school remains open and continues to provide a second level education for the children of Newtownforbes and the catchment area.
I am raising this issue in the Seanad tonight as a result of major public debate, numerous public meetings, and a level of representation from the action committee of the people of Newtownforbes, all of which hammer home to any public representative that there is a great passion to have St. Joseph's secondary school in Newtownforbes continue as a second level facility.
St. Joseph's secondary school was established in 1950 by the order of the Sisters of Mercy. Since then it has gained an excellent reputation for its standard of education. The school is unique in its size and rural setting. The caring approach of dedicated teachers ensures every pupil is recognised, cherished and encouraged in every way. Academic excellence and a holistic approach to education have been the school's hallmark from the outset. It has served the parish with distinction for many years, as well as hundreds of students beyond the boundary of the parish. It promises a great future for its students and should continue its excellent service of providing a sound educational and moral environment to meet the needs and demands of modern life for many years to come.
Currently, the school offers the standard curriculum, in addition to other activities, which include sports, music, personal development, debating, drama and many study skills. All this has been put in jeopardy because, on 4 December last, the Sisters of Mercy informed parents of students gathered at St. Joseph's secondary school they would act as trustees of the school only up to 2003, because part of their plan to wind down the school would not allow them to have an intake of students in September 2001.
A number of reasons were given as to why they decided to close the school. The primary reason was the trend towards declining student numbers in the school in the past five years. Other reasons included a decline in the general population in Longford and surrounding areas and the long-term viability of the buildings. The parents were also informed the decision to close was made solely by the Sisters of Mercy, who informed the Department of Education and Science thereafter. The Department accepted this decision. As was expected, the overwhelming response from parents was not to allow the school closure.
Immediately after the meeting, parents from the area formed a steering committee to assess carefully the prospects of keeping the school open. Its first undertaking was to contact the principals of 21 primary schools in the catchment area, who were asked to fill out a questionnaire. The survey shows a stable population projection in coming years in Newtownforbes and the catchment area. It is also worth noting that the number of baptisms in the Newtownforbes parish alone has risen dramatically in the past four years. From 1992 to 1996 there were 58 baptisms and over the following four years – 1997 to 2000 – there were 90 baptisms, an increase of 56%. These figures do not include the increasing number of families moving into the Newtownforbes area, including those from abroad and those who have children of schoolgoing age.
In the past 18 months, due to major industrial and commercial announcements for significant direct inward investment and a newly designated tax status for County Longford, there has been unprecedented growth in housing and commercial and industrial projects. The number of residential planning applications for new houses approved between 1990 and 2000 was 4,906. Eighty per cent of these new housing developments will be in the outlying areas of Longford town. These figures can be obtained from and verified by Roscommon County Council.
The official accepted factor for population determination for houses is 3.5. Projecting the population increase in the next five years, the picture that evolves is one that the town has never experienced before. Given that there were 30,166 people in the county in 1996 – based on CSO figures – this would increase to 47,337 by 2006. In Newtownforbes more than 100 housing applications have been approved by Longford County Council. It is the fastest growing village in rural Ireland according to the council. Furthermore, the Newtownforbes side of Longford town is predicted to grow out to the village and, even now, transit times from the Newtownforbes side of Longford are shorter than those to the other secondary schools in County Longford. This is important because, if Longford town is to develop in the direction of Newtownforbes, obviously a strong case can be made for having a second level school in Newtownforbes.
At present Scoil Mhuire is operating at maximum capacity. It is one of the two schools in Longford. St. Mel's is just slightly under capacity. Given this, there is no doubt there would be a capacity problem for second level education in the Longford catchment area if population projections are realised in the short or medium term.
It is the view of the steering committee – to which I have something to add – that if St. Joseph's secondary school stays open for at least five years, student numbers will increase. It is clear that the following actions are required: a clear statement from the Department of Education and Science must be made stating it is prepared to support the school in the long-term; a long-term development plan should be prepared for the school, with particular emphasis placed on niche areas of education to differentiate the school from others. A long-term development plan has been prepared for the school with emphasis placed on these areas of education to differentiate it.
The people of Newtownforbes have requested for some time that the Minister for Education and Science meet the steering committee and representatives from the area. Will the Minister accede to this request as soon as possible and take the decision regarding the independent assessor, Mr. Murphy, who has examined the school? For the case to be made properly and for the Minister to understand the depth of feeling and the positive proposals put forward for Newtownforbes, a deputation from the area should be received.
Longford will experience an unprecedented increase in population in the next five years. Without St. Joseph's secondary school, there will definitely be a problem accommodating second level students in the short to medium term. Given this imminent population increase and its effects, we do not understand how the school's closure can be justified. The steering committee, speaking on behalf of the community, has said that it will endeavour to ensure the school remains open. The Minister should indicate that the school will remain open and that he will meet a deputation of the steering committee and representatives of the people of the Longford and Newtownforbes areas as soon as possible.
