asked the Minister for Education if he intends to close the national school at Kilmacoo, Avoca, County Wicklow; and if he is satisfied that facilities at the Avoca school where the children will be transferred are even as good as those in the Kilmacoo school.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wicklow School.
132.
Arrangements have been made for the closing of Kilmacoo national school and the transfer of the pupils to Avoca national school as soon as additional accommodation has been provided there. This accommodation will be far more satisfactory and contain far better educational facilities than is available at Kilmacoo.
Is the Minister aware that this school was completely renovated and modernised, a few years ago at a cost of £8,000 and that the children have been transferred to the school at Avoca which, at the moment, depends on temporary wooden structures in addition to the old school?
It is intended that additional accommodation will be provided for them there. We feel that the additional facilities in Avoca will be much better than those they now have.
Is the Minister aware that a new two-teacher school was opened only last year in the parish?
That is a different question.
Would the Minister consider not closing the school until the parents have considered the matter and gauged fully the advantages of the transfer?
In deference to the Deputy's request, I will look into it, but I cannot hold out much hope because my first concern must be the education of the children.