Up to 200 parents, teachers and students from one of the largest secondary schools in Co Laois protested in Dublin yesterday at plans to close their school.
The group, from Ballyfin, marched through the city centre to the Dáil where they handed in submissions to the Minister for Education, Dr Woods.
Ballyfin College, with an enrolment of more than 530, is due to close in 2005 as its trustees, the Patrician Brothers, can no longer afford its upkeep. It is now proposed that the school amalgamate with Portlaoise Vocational School, six miles away, which has more than 100 students.
The VEC has acquired a site for a new school in Portlaoise and it is on this site that it is proposed to amalgamate the schools, forming a community college.
Those associated with Ballyfin College, which had a long history as a boarding school, are objecting to this plan.
Ms Geraldine Graham of the Ballyfin Parents Council said a survey showed the main reason parents sent children to the school was because of its rural setting. Up to 200 students travelled to it from Portlaoise, she said.
"We really feel the wider issues haven't been explored at all. The current plan would mean moving 535 children to an urban area which has a large heroin problem. This is not to say pushers would not go to Ballyfin but the likelihood would be really diminished," she said.
She said parents had no problem amalgamating with the vocational school; the problem was the planned location of the new community college. They would also prefer a community school to a community college, which would mean it would not be under VEC control.
In their submission to the Minister, the parents urged him to consider establishing a limited company to run the school when the Patricians withdraw. They added: "Our mandate as a parents council is to save Ballyfin College. This is not because we fear change, it is not because we are being elitist but rather that we don't subscribe to the theory that education should be urbanised.
"What educational authority in its right mind literally dismantles a thriving school, which distinguishes itself academically and on the sportsfield?" they asked.
A statement from the teachers said they supported the parents council. They also referred to lack of consultation on the amalgamation.
The students, in their submission, said they felt their welfare was not considered before the announcement of their school's closure. "No promises of a shiny new school will compensate us for the loss of Ballyfin College, with its special spirit and setting," they said.
All, however, seem to be facing an uphill battle as Dr Woods has indicated his Department has no plans to purchase the school. The Patrician Brothers, in a statement last September, said they had already agreed with the VEC to a community college.
"We feel it is the best decision in the circumstances and we are confident that the new community college will provide an excellent co-educational opportunity for the foreseeable future."
Dr Woods said last week he considered the appropriate course was to support the Brothers' decision and for the VEC to amalgamate in a community college on the outskirts of Portlaoise.
However, his spokesman said last night the submissions were being considered.