Vol. 255 No. 6
asked the Minister for Education if Roche school, Kilcurry, County Louth, is being closed by his Department; if there is sufficient alternative school accommodation for children in that area; what the general plans of his Department are in this matter; when such plans will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
18.
asked the Minister for Education if there has been any delay in making Departmental funds available for a school at Fatima, Dundalk, County Louth; and when such funds will be made available.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 18 together.
Roche, or Ballinfuill, national school is a small two-teacher school in a building which is unsuitable. In accordance with national policy in relation to the creation of larger and more efficient educational units, it is proposed to amalgamate this school with Scoileanna Eoin Baiste, Fatima Park, when a suitable opportunity arises.
A grant has been sanctioned for the extension of Scoileanna Eoin Baiste and it is expected that work on the extension will commence early in 1972.
I am satisfied that the extension of Kilcurry and Eoin Baiste schools and the amalgamation of Ballinfuill with Scoileanna Eoin Baiste will ensure not only adequate accommodation for the children of the area but will provide teaching and other facilities which will cater in a much more satisfactory manner for their education.
