Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. O'Leary. I have one other point to raise with Ms Kirwan. I would love to invite her to see the really positive things that are happening in Ballinasloe. Our town is growing, with nearly 1,000 children in primary school and another 1,000 at post-primary level. Both of the secondary schools are 100 years old. Garbally College, the boys' school, and Ardscoil Mhuire, the girls' school, which I attended, have submitted an amalgamation request to the Department. From what I understand, there has been a very positive response locally to the proposal, with a lot of buy-in, public engagement and consultation with all stakeholders. The next step will be working out all that is required to ensure the process of amalgamation is successful. Once the initial stage has reached a conclusion, it would be wonderful if there was an opportunity to meet with the school planning section to identify how best to proceed. The planned date for the amalgamation, I understand, is 2025. The two principals are very proactive in working to ensuring every necessary plan is put in place. Will the officials outline the normal process for amalgamations? Is there an opportunity within it for the schools to engage with the school planning section on what is required? The two secondary schools in Ballinasloe have 1,000 students between them. Ardscoil Mhuire's buildings are approximately 15 years old, which to me is new, but Garbally College is an older building with a lot of challenges in terms of maintenance.