Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
471 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions that have taken place regarding alternative accommodation for pupils given the decision to close a school (details supplied) in Kilbarrack; the future use of the school; and if she will meet with residents to discuss the future use of the school. [30169/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraA decision has been taken by the trustees of the school referred to by the Deputy that it will close in June 2007. Given the pattern of falling enrolments at the school, together with surplus capacity in the general area, my Department concurs with the trustees' decision. I am satisfied there is sufficient capacity in post-primary schools in the area to cater for children who would otherwise have attended the school in question. Assistance with arrangements for specific alternative placements for pupils is, in the first instance, a matter for the school's management authority. At this early stage, consideration has not yet been given to the future use of the school building. In the absence of such consideration, a meeting with residents would not be beneficial at this time.
