asked the Minister for Education if an application has been submitted to his Department for the extension of the primary school at Lisheenkyle, Athenry, County Galway; and the action he proposes to take in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway School Extension.
17.
Mr. R. Burke
Application has been made to my Department for the provision of additional accommodation at this school. As it is a two-teacher school with a relatively small enrolment, the question of its amalgamation with another school to form a larger school unit has to be considered in view of general educational policy relating to the reorganisation of one-and two-teacher schools. A proposal has, accordingly, been made to the school manager that the school be amalgamated with the neighbouring Coldwood school, in the same parish, when the latter school has been suitably extended.
I understand that parents of children attending Lisheenkyle school have sought a meeting with the local inspector of national schools and the reverend manager has been informed that, if he so wishes, the inspector will attend such a meeting.
I am not in a position, therefore, pending full consideration of all the issues involved to state what action will be taken with regard to the application for extension of Lisheenkyle national school.
Is the Minister aware of the frustration obtaining in the area as a result of the overcrowding in this school and has he consulted with the parents with regard to the amalgamation with Coldwood national school?
Mr. R. Burke
I received a deputation of the parents of children in the school in question.
Are they satisfied to amalgamate with Coldwood?
Mr. R. Burke
The people who came to see me were not.
Would the Minister not consider extending the existing school by adding a prefab, or something like that, to accommodate the growing number of children in the area. I understand the population is increasing. At the moment there are about 56 children attending this school and the prospect is that this figure will be increased over the next few years. Would the Minister not consider extending Lisheenkyle school?
Mr. R. Burke
The position is that the accommodation at the moment is sufficient for the number of pupils attending the school. If the situation alters we will have another look at it. At the moment we are pursuing a line of progress I have adumbrated in answer to the question.
Fifty-six pupils are being taught by two teachers in a one-room school approximately 26 ft. by 20 ft. I regard this as utterly unsatisfactory.
Mr. R. Burke
We will send an inspector down and, when he reports to me, I will have a look at the situation.