asked the Minister for Education the areas of the country in which it is now proposed to establish community schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Community Schools.
36.
As I have already stated on numerous occasions, it is proposed to develop community schools in the new areas of the cities instead of providing separate secondary and vocational schools. In the case of other areas where there are two or three small schools in need of replacement or major extension, it is the intention to develop community schools in these areas instead of replacing the existing schools. There will also be areas where there are no pressing accommodation needs but in which there is general agreement locally in regard to development on the community school basis.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I will circulate with the Official Report a list of centres in which the question of establishing community schools is at present under consideration.
Following is the list.
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Centres presently being considered
Small Towns/Rural Areas.
Achill, Co. Mayo.
Ardee, Co. Louth.
Athenry, Co. Galway.
Athboy, Co. Meath.
Athy, Co. Kildare.
Bailieboro, Co. Cavan.
Ballymahon, Co. Longford.
Ballyjamesduff/Virginia, Co. Cavan.
Banagher, Co. Offaly.
Belmullet, Co. Mayo.
Birr, Co. Offaly.
Carna, Co. Galway.
Carndonagh, Co. Donegal.
Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.
Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.
Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.
Clonakilty, Co. Cork.
Cobh, Co. Cork.
Derrybeg, Co. Donegal.
Doneraile/Buttevant, Co. Cork.
Edenderry, Co. Offaly.
Ceannanus Mór, Co. Meath.
Killorglin, Co. Kerry.
Lanesboro', Co. Longford.
Loughrea, Co. Galway.
Millstreet, Co. Cork.
Moate, Co. Westmeath.
Moyne, Co. Longford.
Muine Bheag, Co. Carlow.
North Central Area of Co. Limerick.
Portarlington, Co. Laois.
Portumna, Co. Galway.
Skerries, Co. Dublin.
Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
Tullow, Co. Carlow.
City Areas
The following are under consideration at present:
Dublin: Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Ballinteer, Ballyroan, Lucan, Kilbarrack.
Cork: Mayfield, Churchfield, Passage West.
Limerick: Janesboro'/Galvone, Castleconnell.
Waterford: Lisduggan.
Would the Minister not agree that it is most important to have the goodwill of all concerned, both parents and teachers, in the establishment of a community school? So far, in many areas the educationalists and the parents have voiced objections to community schools and, in those circumstances, it would be wrong to impose such schools on these areas.
I am endeavouring to get as much goodwill as possible, but the Deputy will accept that the interests of the children and their educational future comes first.
Question No. 37 postponed.