Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Provision of New Primary School.

Willie O'Dea

Question:

230 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Education, in relation to an application for a new post-primary school at Castletroy, Limerick whether the statistics on enrolment figures have been checked; whether figures have been obtained from Limerick County Council on housing development in the area; if secondary schools in Limerick have been visited by officials of the planning section of her Department; and if so, whether they have encountered any opposition to the proposal; whether the planning section of her Department has sent its recommendation to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24421/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

An application for the provision of a post-primary school in Castletroy-Monaleen area of Limerick city has been received in my Department.

Arising from this application, a detailed examination of the post primary needs of the area is currently being carried out. Enrolment statistics and details of housing developments have been obtained and are being analysed at present. As part of the examination, officials from my Department visited primary schools in the area and post-primary schools in the city last week. In the course of their visit, concerns were expressed to my officials about the possible implications of the proposal for existing schools.

When the examination is completed, a report and recommendation, which will take into account all aspects of the application, will be submitted to me. I will then be in a position to make a decision on the matter.