Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
196. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on plans for two primary schools in Moate, County Westmeath (details supplied); if amalgamation plans will be progressed to meet the educational needs of the town into the future; and if short term works for the schools will be outlined. [8710/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department received a request to amalgamate, from the schools in question, in June 2022.
In March 2023 the school authorities were advised that the Department had no objection to the amalgamation, contingent on no capital funding being provided. The school authorities advised that their Boards of Management would give further consideration to the issue and revert to the Department in due course. However, to date there has been no correspondence in relation to the matter.
I can confirm to the Deputy that funding was provided for the provision of 1 x Special Education Modular Classroom, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme for one of the schools. This special class has since been opened.
Officials in my Department are available to the school authorities should the school require any further information.
