Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

257 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 308 of 16 May 2000, he will list the reserved sites for future provision of primary and post-primary schools in the greater Lucan area; the current position on the acquisition of sites for a primary and post-primary school in the Adamstown area as recommended by the Commission on School Accommodation; his views on the fact that the general observations on the Lucan area as set out in the commission's report have been overtaken by events with the total population of Lucan set to double in the six years to the end of 2002; his further views on the fact that the relatively complacent views of the commission based upon information from the early to mid 1990s are insufficient to address the emerging difficulties; and if he will direct a specific internal Departmental study on the Lucan area rather than relying upon the periodic monitoring of the situation. [18906/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The position in relation to my Department's assessment of school provision needs in the Lucan area is set out in my reply to Question No. 308 of 16 May 2000, which was tabled by the Deputy.

In that reply I indicated that, among other things, the provision of a new multi-denominational primary school and an all-Irish community college, together with extensions to existing primary and post primary schools, would significantly alleviate pressure for school places in Lucan in the short term.

I went on to point out that, arising from a report of the technical working group of the commission on school accommodation, two sites had been reserved in the Adamstown area, one for primary school and the other for a postprimary school. I should point out, also, that a further site for a primary school has been reserved in the Griffeen/Foxborough area.

I understand that South Dublin County Council is at present preparing a draft action plan for Lucan. This plan will provide details of the extent and pace of housing development and of projected population growth in the area. Based on this information, my Department will be in a better position to determine what additional measures are required to ensure the availability of adequate school provision at first and second level.