Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
180 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department was contacted about the need for a primary school in Westbrook-Saggart Abbey; and if he is aware that the local community wants a school. [19058/04]
View answerMy Department's planning section meets the planning department of the South Dublin County Council on a regular basis. They discussed the need for additional educational provision. As a result sites for primary schools were reserved at Fortunestown and Saggart. Further consultations on new schools are needed with the local authority. Topics for discussion is the rate and likely timescale of housing developments and the capacity of existing schools in the area to meet the anticipated demand.
The overall enrolment trend in schools in the Tallaght area is downward. In light of the proposed additional housing in the area, my Department will continue to monitor developments. Any needs identified will be addressed by increasing existing school capacity or providing new schools, as appropriate.
