Vol. 519 No. 5
349 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay on the amalgamation of two schools (details supplied) in County Kilkenny further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 215 and 221 on 20 April 2000. [14460/00]
351 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, in relation to the amalgamation of two schools (details supplied) in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, if he will assist the process; and if the funding is available for the project. [14462/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 351 together.
The position is that agreement has not been reached locally by all parties to the proposed amalgamation. However, the planning section of my Department is continuing its efforts to achieve consensus so that the matter can be progressed further.
In the meantime, for the purpose of determining how an amalgamated school might best be accommodated, my Department has carried out architectural assessments of the existing school buildings and of a potential site for a new school. These assessments are currently being examined and it is expected that the outcome will shortly be reported to the board of management of each school. The allocation of capital funding for the project will be considered in the event that consensus on amalgamation is achieved.
