Vol. 467 No. 1
30 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Education whether she has met with a deputation from Moate, County Westmeath, in relation to the proposed community school; whether she has been presented with a petition in respect of the proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12684/96]
33 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Education the reason the site designated for development for the community school in Moate, County Westmeath, is currently 7.27 acres in view of the fact that the original request for the site from her Department was 14 acres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12677/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 33 together.
I met a deputation from Moate on 3 April last regarding the location of the new community school for the area. At the meeting I explained to the deputation that I had taken all factors into account before deciding that the school should be located on the combined Mercy and vocational site. I also stated that the decision was final and that my Department was concentrating on ensuring that the necessary facilities would be in place to enable the school to commence operation from next September.
My Department did receive a document which is, in effect, a compendium of questions, arguments and correspondence in relation to events leading to the selection of a site for the new school. The document also contains an architectural report on the Carmelite school buildings. However, no petition has been received regarding the siting of the school. The combined Mercy/vocational schools' site covers an area of 16.83 acres, not 7.27 acres as indicated by the Deputy.
