Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 6

Written Answers. - Amalgamation of Dublin Schools.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

180 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the reason two schools (details supplied) in Dublin 12 are amalgamating; the reason Coláiste Chaoimhín, which was the first preference location for the amalgamated school, has been by-passed in favour of the Marist school; and if she will outline the capital expenditure envisaged to complete the amalgamation.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The two secondary schools in question wish to amalgamate to form a more viable school unit because of the decrease in both schools' enrolments as a consequence of the declining schoolgoing population in the area. My Department were happy to facilitate and co-operate with this request.

An examination of the feasibility of accommodating an amalgamated school in the Coláiste Chaoimhín building established that the cost of the adaptation and renovation required would be excessive. The amalgamation can be facilitated in the Marist girls secondary school by providing additional accommodation at a much more economical cost. It is not normal practice to give details of capital expenditure on individual secondary school building projects.