Michael Ring
Ceist:261 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of the recent meeting he attended with the parents of pupils attending the Stella Maris secondary school, Ballycastle, County Mayo. [7842/98]
Written Answers. - School Closures.
Michael Ring
Ceist:262 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that the Stella Maris secondary school, Ballycastle, County Mayo will be kept open after September 1998. [7843/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.
The trustees of the Ballycastle secondary school announced on 1 October 1997, that the school would be phased out over a two year period commencing in 1998. There would be no intake of new pupils in September 1998 and the school would close in the year 2000. The reasons given for closure were the low enrolment in the school and the major financial burden in sustaining it.
I met a deputation representing the parents of pupils at the school on 14 January last. The deputation stated that they intended to establish a management structure and hoped to rent the existing school building with a view to continuing the secondary school. I indicated to the deputation that, as soon as they could confirm the availability of the building and the setting up of the necessary management structures, I would urgently consider their application. I am awaiting a response.