asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the urgent need for a vocational school in Foxford, County Mayo, where skilled workers are needed for a long-established local industry; and what is the up-to-date position regarding the provision of such a school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Vocational Schools.
140.
I am aware of the need for the provision of facilities for instruction in technical subjects at Foxford, County Mayo. The question as to how best these facilities may be made available is at present under consideration.
I hope to have issued by my Department at an early date to the County Mayo Vocational Education Committee, as well as to other interested parties, an educational plan and map for the county. When the parties concerned have had time to study the plan, it is my intention to arrange for the holding of a meeting to consider inter alia how best the requirements of the Foxford area for full educational facilities may be met.
141.
asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to erect a vocational school at Ballycroy or Mulrany, County Mayo.
County Mayo Vocational Education Committee have proposed the erection of a day vocational school at Mulranny and a small school for evening classes at Ballycroy.
The question of how best the needs of these areas in the matter of post-primary education can be met is being considered in conjunction with an educational plan for County Mayo. This plan is practically completed and I hope to have it issued at a very early date to the County Mayo Vocational Education Committee and other interested parties. A meeting of all the parties concerned will then be convened locally to decide, inter alia, on how best the educational needs of Ballycroy and Mulranny can be met.