Vol. 463 No. 6
207 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education his views on the difficulties parents are experiencing in enrolling children in St. Declan's College, Dublin 7, due to a shortage of places there; the number of additional classes she has authorised for this school; and whether she has satisfied herself that this will be adequate to meet the increasing demands in view of the large number of new houses in this catchment area. [7176/96]
I understand the number of pupils seeking places in St. Declan's for next September is in excess of the number the school can accommodate. I have recently approved the provision of extra accommodation to meet increasing demands on pupil places in the school. This consists of a permanent extension of seven general classrooms, one commerce business room and a remedial room and this extension is presently at the architectural planning stage.
In addition to the schools traditionally catering for pupils in this general area, new post primary schools opened in Hartstown in 1992, Dunboyne in 1994 and in Diswellstown last September.
I am satisfied that, taking these recent developments into account and with the provision of the current approved extension at St. Declan's CBS, there will be sufficient post primary school accommodation in the general area to meet its immediate and future needs.
