Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Schools Accommodation.

Jack Wall

Question:

683 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to deal with the major increase in population in County Kildare by the provision of schools and school extensions; if he has considered the provision of an institute of technology in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12293/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary or post-primary level in any given area, such as County Kildare, entails consideration by my Department of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places.

In the event that the level of development and population growth in an area indicates a likely long-term need for primary or post-primary educational facilities, a decision is made on the means by which that need should be met. Generally, this involves the provision of permanent accommodation in the form of a new school or an extension to existing facilities. High-quality temporary or prefabricated accommodation is normally provided to alleviate short-term accommodation needs.

County Kildare has been the subject of regular review by my Department in recent years due to the extent of development taking place. As a result of these reviews, the need for additional school accommodation has been identified in a number of areas, including Naas and Castledermot, and appropriate action to address these needs is being taken by the planning and building unit of my Department.

It is envisaged that, when the building projects involved are completed, there will be sufficient school accommodation to meet future needs. However, my Department will continue to monitor school accommodation requirements in the county to ensure that any emerging needs are addressed.

I have no plans at present to establish an institute of technology in County Kildare, which is currently served by institutes of technology at Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Carlow, and, indeed, by the Dublin Institute of Technology.