Jim Mitchell
Question:109 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if he will meet a deputation from the Second-Level School Action Group, Castleknock, Dublin 15.
Written Answers. - Dublin School Action Group.
Consultants were commissioned to assist my Department in a study to determine the need and provision for post-primary school places in the Castleknock/Hartstown/Huntstown/ Dunboyne areas.
The findings of the study indicated that there was an immediate need for a new post-primary school in Hartstown to be followed by a new school in Dunboyne. The findings also indicated that the needs of the Castleknock pupils can continue to be met by the post-primary schools which currently cater for the majority of them.
I am aware that the Castleknock community does not accept the decision made in this case and their disappointment is understandable. I would like to point out, however, that during the course of the study in question the consultants met with the local interest groups and their views were taken into account in the preparation of the report. My Department also took full cognisance of the submissions made by these groups.
I am satisfied that no useful purpose would be served by my meeting with a deputation from the Castleknock School Action Group at present.