Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 5

Written Answers. - Schools Recognition.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

471 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation in relation to the second parish primary school for the Luttrellstown-Porterstown area, Dublin 15; if a site has been acquired for this school; if so, its location; if agreement has been reached with the patron on the appointment of a board of management; when a principal will be employed; and if he will give an undertaking that the school will be open in September 2001 in view of the large number of children enrolled for the school. [22912/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

A formal application for the recognition of a new primary school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin in the Porterstown-Luttrellstown area of Dublin 15 was submitted to my Department earlier this year. The application was approved, the applicants were notified accordingly and an interim board of management was established, pending the opening of the school.

In August, my Department was notified by the chairperson of the interim board of management that it was proposed to defer the opening of a new school until September 2001 in view of difficulties encountered in the appointment of teaching staff for September 2000. In the circumstances, the promoters of the school have been advised that it will be necessary to submit a fresh application for recognition with effect from September 2001.

If the application for recognition is successful and the school demonstrates long-term viability, the question of acquiring the site which has been reserved by Fingal County Council in the area will be pursued.