Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Deputy's passion, absolute determination and vision for this project. The amalgamation proposal will be assessed. Contact will be made with the patron.

We divide the country into 314 special school planning areas. We rely on a geographic information system, GIS, which gathers information from the Central Statistic Office, CSO, to determine future patterns of demographics. We engage with local authorities on their development plans and projections for the future, especially as regards housing developments. The information available to us says that enrolment in the Belturbet school planning area is due to peak in 2026 at 673 pupils. I understand there are seven primary schools and one post-primary school in the Belturbet school planning area. Notwithstanding that, I appreciate that both schools have come together and there is a vision locally, supported by the Deputy. Every consideration will be given to the proposal that has been made and contact will be made with the patron shortly.

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