Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Austin Currie

Question:

312 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science the recommendations of the technical working group of the Commission on School Accommodation study of the Lucan area, which reported in May 1999; the progress to date in implementing each recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10617/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The recommendations contained in the report referred to by the Deputy are as follows:

National Level1. In areas of significant housing development a consultative forum should be established to collate information and provide advice to the Department of Education and Science on the planning of educational provision at first and second level.

Lucan Area2. The steering group of the commission should submit recommendations to the Minister for Education and Science regarding the timing of the establishment of new schools in the Lucan area.

3. After consultation with patrons and trustees and planning authorities, the Department of Education and Science should ensure that sites are reserved for first and second level schools in the area referred to as Adamstown.

4. The Department of Education and Science should liaise with Bus Éireann for the provision of transport facilities to maximise access from the more recent housing estates to the existing schools in the Lucan area.

In relation to the first recommendation, Department officials, together with the chairperson of the Commission on School Accommodation, meet regularly with the four Dublin local authorities and the various school patron bodies to discuss first and second level school provision in the area in the light of development proposals. It is open to such patron bodies to seek recognition for new schools as they consider appropriate. Meetings also take place between my Department and other local authorities as the need arises.

In relation to the second recommendation, regular contact is maintained between the Commission on school accommodation and my Department regarding the planning of school provision in Lucan and other developing areas.

In accordance with the third recommendation, sites for a first level and a second level school have been reserved in the Adamstown area. A further site for a first level school has been reserved in the Griffeen-Foxborough area. The question of whether to proceed with the development of schools on these sites is under consideration at present. In that regard, I understand that South Dublin County Council is at present preparing a proposed plan for Adamstown, which I expect will help to clarify whether additional school provision is required to serve this area. The proposed plan is expected to be available towards the end of this month.

With regard to the fourth recommendation, my Department's school transport section is not aware of any transport difficulties for pupils to which development in the area may have given rise. However, the position will continue to be monitored and any emerging problems will be promptly addressed.

Willie Penrose

Question:

313 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give an update in relation to the application for additional accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; when this accommodation will be provided, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10618/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

In view of the large number of school building projects being dealt with by my Department at present and the priority to be afforded to such projects, it is not possible at this point to give any indication as to when an application from the management authorities of the school in question for grant aid for improved accommodation will be processed.

The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.