asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that 1,000 houses were built in the Walkinstown area and that no provision was made for the building of a school in the scheme; and, further, that there are no vacancies in adjoining schools and that the children of the area are at a great disadvantage; and, if so, whether he will arrange to have assistance given to the local school manager to procure a site immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Needs in Walkinstown Area.
I am aware that about 1,000 houses have been built by private enterprise in the Walkinstown area, and that new schools are required to provide for the children from these houses and from houses in adjoining areas. The acquisition of sites for new schools is a matter for the local managers, and it is not open to the Department to allow grants towards their cost—that is, the cost of the site. Subject to this qualification, every possible assistance is given to managers in arranging for sites, and in the present case steps are being taken to ensure that a suitable site will be made available to the manager.