Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the enrolment at Ballyeasborough primary school in each of the past 10 years; why it is proposed to close the school; which school in the district has the facilities to accommodate the children of Ballyeasborough; and if he will make a statement on the future provision of primary education for children from Ballyeasborough district in the Ards peninsula.
§ Dr. MawhinneyEnrolments at 31 December were as follows:
Number 1978 58 1979 61 1980 65 1981 67 1982 59 1983 49 1984 48 1985 51 1986 51 1987 58 In May 1985, the Department of Education approved the formal development proposal to close Ballyeasborough primary school when Victoria primary school, Ballyhalbert, is rebuilt with appropriate extended permanent accommodation. In making this proposal the South Eastern education and library board had regard to the substandard accommodation at both schools, and to the future projected enrolments at both schools which fell short of the recommended viability level for a rural primary school.
The new accommodation for Ballyhalbert primary school will cater for 91 to 123 pupils. It is expected that some of the Ballyeasborough pupils will transfer to Portavogie primary school.
Funds have been made available for the new accommodation to be provided at Ballyhalbert, and building work is due to commence his month.