Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I must acknowledge that huge investment has gone into education facilities right across the county. The Minister was down there for the opening of the school we are discussing, as well as for that of Presentation College, Athenry. The problem is that there seems to be very short-sighted planning. I am not saying this about the Minister but am making a general comment. I say this because that was only officially opened last year, but this year we are down 60 places. The problem stems from the fact that people came in from outside areas to fill places. The problem I have now is that approximately 25 parents from the town have gotten in touch with me as their student is not guaranteed a place in first year in September. It is causing a huge amount of stress for families. There are ongoing discussions, which I acknowledge, in which the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board and the school principal are involved, but it is incumbent on us all to make sure that an announcement is made about what will be done to accommodate these children in Athenry in September.

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