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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 1984

Vol. 349 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proposed County Dublin Schools.

14.

asked the Minister for Education if she will state in relation to the proposed post primary school at Esker, County Dublin: (a) the present stage of the plans; (b) when it is intended that building work will begin; and (c) whether that school will be a community college under the auspices of the County Dublin VEC, as originally intended and confirmed by her predecessors.

15.

asked the Minister for Education when it is intended to proceed with the building of the community college in Lucan, County Dublin.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.

My Department recently received developed design proposals for the proposed post-primary school at Esker, Lucan, County Dublin, from the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee. These proposals are presently being examined by my Department.

The question of when construction may begin cannot arise for consideration until architectural planning has been completed. The school will be conducted under the aegis of the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee.

I am sure the Minister realises that the proposals for this school have been in hand for quite a long time and have been the subject of considerable controversy in the area. Can she give the people of the area some idea of when she thinks a school will be available? If construction proposals are not in hand, what other proposals has she for commencing work on the school? Has she any other proposal with regard to temporary accommodation or otherwise in the area?

I wish to assure the Deputy that there will be no avoidable delay in dealing with the committee's proposals. They will be processed as quickly as possible. There are many such projects in a similar state in my Department. After the completion of the present stage, namely, the developed sketch scheme, the following stages arise: working drawings and bills of quantities which the committee's consultants will have to complete before referring them to my Department for examination. On the question of accommodation pending the opening of the school, this matter has been examined by the planning section in my Department. We have concluded that the intake of new pupils and the overall enrolment in the Lucan centre will not increase to any significant extent next September and that between them the three existing schools will be well able to cater for the expected demand in the general area for places.

Will the Minister give us an undertaking that pre-fabs will not be included in the school?

I can only repeat my answer, namely, that there are no plans for temporary accommodation prior to the opening of the school.

Will the Minister let us know if there will be a school there by 1990?

I am quite sure there will be.

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