Vol. 521 No. 4
290 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the preparations being made to provide additional educational facilities and institutions at pre-school, first, second, third and adult education levels in Balbriggan, County Dublin, in view of the projected population rise in the town over the next decade from 10,000 to 25,000 people according to the current Fingal county development plan. [17232/00]
My Department is currently examining the educational requirements of Balbriggan at first and second level, having regard to projected population growth and the capacity of existing facilities to meet demands. In this regard, Department officials have visited the area and are maintaining regular contact with Fingal County Council. When the matter has been fully examined, a decision will be made regarding the appropriate educational provision required to meet the future primary and post primary needs of the town.
Funding for the provision of adult education services is provided by my Department to the vocational education committees, which are responsible for the delivery of the services at local level. The provision of additional adult education facilities in Balbriggan, County Dublin is a matter for County Dublin Vocational Education Committee.
I will shortly announce substantial additional funding for adult education and it will be open to the VEC to seek additional places in line with demand.
In relation to third level provision, Balbriggan is currently well provided for by a number of existing higher education institutions in the greater Dublin and County Louth area. As regards the pre-school sector, policy in this regard was set out in the White Paper, "Ready to Learn", published recently. Planning for the implementation of the White Paper is currently under way in my Department.
