Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the planned future use or developments for the land at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 after its closure in June 2007; the specific arrangements for the sports hall on the same grounds; the arrangements for the staff employed at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11081/07]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 541: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in deciding to close a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5, the resultant extra costs to households in terms of travel, uniforms and voluntary contributions was estimated and taken into account. [11219/07]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 544: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her Department's plans for the sports hall at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5, the most important recreational facility in the area; and the consultation that has been, is being or will be carried out in this regard. [11222/07]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 545: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her Department's plans for the site of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5; the consultation with the local community that is planned in view of the fact that no consultation has taken place to date and that the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism informed Seanad Éireann in November 2005 that her Department would examine this issue soon. [11223/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 517, 541, 544 and 545 together.

A decision was taken by the Trustees of the school to which the Deputy refers that it will close in June 2007.

This decision was taken because, in line with demographic changes in the area, the school has experienced a steady decline in enrolments in recent years. Current enrolments in feeder primary schools indicate that this decline will continue. In fact, a general decline in enrolments in the area where the school is located has resulted in considerable spare capacity at post primary level. Coupled with the decline in enrolments, the Department was also concerned about the ability of the school in question to offer a broad and balanced curriculum given the relatively small number of pupils enrolled.

In all of the circumstances, the Department concurred with the Trustees decision to close the school. When it closes, ownership of the school property, which is currently vested in the trustees, will revert to the Department. In the period leading up to the closure, the Department will consider all available options with regard to its future use.