This article is from page 21 of the 2008-04-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
THE Department of Education was urged not to squander taxpayers’ money on duplicating the provision of primary education in Ennistymon by granting recognition to the Mol an Oige school.
The board of management of the amalgamated St Fachnan’s and St At- tracta’s primary school in Kilfenora stated that “under no circumstances” would they support Mol an Oige’s at- tempt to gain recognition.
The submission opposing the Stein- er school stated that the combined number of roll in September 2001 was 82 while in September 2006, this had fallen to 62.
“We do not welcome the negative impact the recruitment drive of Mol an Oige may have on further deplet- ing our pupil numbers. At recent par- ent teacher meetings, local support was not evident for this proposed new school, however, there was evidence of confusion among some, arising from the promotion and advertising of the proposed new school.
“We consider that the educational, social, cultural and religious needs of primary schools are being adequate-
ly met by the five existing schools in Ennistymon parish and the eight primary schools within a seven mile radius of Ennistymon.
“Up to the year 2000, there were two primary schools in our par- ish, due to a decline in numbers in Inchovea School, the BOM success-
fully amalgamated with Kilfenora National School.
“North Clare and Ennistymon are not areas of rapidly expanding popu-
lation; in fact our parish which 1s sit- uated only four miles from Ennisty- mon is experiencing a noticeable decline in our student population and it would be far more beneficial to in- vest the money in upgrading and en- hancing facilities in the established primary schools serving the area.”
In a separate submission, Maura Clancy deputy principal of Kilfenora stated, “It is unacceptable to waste taxpayers’ money of the provision of a new school. There are schools in north Clare that lack basic facilities and accommodation and it would be far better to upgrade those schools.
“We are all aware of the lack of services, such as speech and lan- guage therapy, occupational therapy in our existing schools. Financial in- vestment in these areas would be far more beneficial and I sincerely hope that the proposed new school will not receive recognition.