Schools Amalgamation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2004

Thursday, 1 April 2004

Questions (89)

Seán Crowe

Question:

89 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the situation facing St. Kevin’s boys and St. Kevin’s girls school, Kilnamanagh, Tallaght, Dublin 24, at which school buildings are on land owned by the Catholic Church which the church now intends to sell, putting at risk classrooms, the school library and resource teacher classrooms; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the school is used by a range of groups, including children with disabilities, and is an essential part of the local community; if his Department has been in contact with the school or the church authorities with a view to possible purchase of the site to allow the school to stay in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10428/04]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The chairperson of the boards of management of St. Kevin's boys and St. Kevin's girls national schools has written to the school planning section of my Department stating that the boards of management and staffs of the schools are considering the matter of amalgamating these schools. He has further stated that it is intended to consult with parents on this issue. Enrolments at both schools have been steadily declining in recent years. However, to date, no firm decision to actually amalgamate has been communicated to my Department.

If, after consultation with the relevant parties, a decision is taken to amalgamate the two schools, the level of accommodation required to facilitate the proposed amalgamated school will determine the future use of the school properties in question.