asked the Minister for Education if he is yet in a position to state if a new school will be built at Clonmore, Hackettstown, County Carlow; and, if so, when this work will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Carlow School.
8.
I have had a number of detailed surveys of the pupil potential in the Clonmore and Ballyconnell districts carried out. These surveys were undertaken in the context of the introduction of the new primary school curriculum and the necessity in relation to its implementation to ensure that wherever possible pupils will at all times have the benefit of a school with at least three teachers. This necessity arises from the fact that the curriculum is child centred. The results of the surveys and the compelling educational considerations involved have convinced me that all the pupils concerned would best be catered for by closing Clonmore school and amalgamating it with Ballyconnell school. The latter school was built in 1966 and lends itself to enlargement so that a five teacher school can be provided there. The Clonmore school is in a very unsatisfactory condition.
Is the Minister aware that the parents in the Clonmore area are very dissatisfied because the Clonmore school is to be closed and the children transferred to Ballyconnell? It is four months now since the Minister received a deputation of the people concerned about the closing of this school and this is the first indication we have got from the Minister that it is quite definite he intends to close the Clonmore school. Will he state quite definitely now the reasons for closing Clonmore school?
Let me take the last question first. As I explained in my reply, I am aware that some of the parents in the Clonmore area are opposed to the closing of this school but my information is that the majority of the families there are in favour of the closing of the school. I accept that it is some time since I met a deputation of parents led by local Deputies. Of course, the Deputy will recognise that I am particularly careful in relation to the closing of schools and that I examine every possible aspect of the matter before coming to a final decision. When I come to a final decision, I make this decision in the interests of the children.
Is the Minister satisfied that the only alternative is the closing of the Clonmore school and the transfer of the pupils to Ballyconnell?
I am satisfied that is the best solution.
Would the Minister now ensure that the Board of Works immediately provide extra accommodation at Ballyconnell school and also that CIE be asked to provide the necessary transport? The Minister will be aware, having listened to the deputation of which I was a member, that the education of the children in this area has been neglected due to the fact that teachers could not be kept there and also due to the fact that the school is in a deplorable state of repair?
I am sure the Deputy is aware that some considerable time ago when it was originally agreed by the parents that the Clonmore school would be closed and amalgamated the Board of Works were asked to examine the situation in relation to building extra classrooms at Ballyconnell school. That work has progressed since then. I can inform the Deputy that tenders for the extension of Ballyconnell school will be sought in about a fortnight.