Vol. 537 No. 5
564 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether demographic trends, the excellence of the Mary Immaculate school and difficulty of access to alternate centres, dictate that a second level school is required at Lisdoonvarna, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16835/01]
565 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria being used in assessing the future viability of Mary Immaculate secondary school, Lisdoonvarna, County Clare; the consultations which have taken place with the relevant interest group; the relevance of developments in neighbouring centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16836/01]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 564 and 565 together.
Officials of the planning and building unit of my Department have conducted a thorough examination of education provision at post-primary level in the north Clare area. As part of this examination, careful consideration was given to all relevant factors, including the pattern of enrolment in Mary Immaculate secondary school, demographic trends in the area and developments in neighbouring centres. Based on the outcome of this examination, I concluded that there is a long-term requirement for a post-primary school in Lisdoonvarna.
My Department will shortly be in contact with the school authorities regarding their accommodation requirements.
