Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
651 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take regarding the absence of basic education infrastructure in east Meath; and if she will support an association (details supplied) in County Meath in their requests for educational facilities. [25635/06]
View answerPrior to 2005/06 there was only one primary school in the area to which the Deputy refers which was a fully vertical co-educational facility meaning it catered for pupils from Junior Infants to 6th class.
To ensure an adequacy of primary provision in what I accept is a rapidly developing area, my Department sanctioned the recognition of a 2nd primary school for the area to commence operation from September 2005. This is the school to which the Deputy refers.
My Department supported a local agreement that this new school would become the junior school for the area with the existing school becoming the senior school. This agreement is in operation.
For the new school year, the school in question has examined its accommodation needs and applied for 5 additional prefabs to cater for its 2006/2007 enrolments. I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that this provision has been approved by my Department and steps are being taken by the school authority for its delivery.
With regard to permanent accommodation for the school, the Patron has confirmed that it is his intention to acquire and make a site available for this purpose. My Department looks forward to progressing a project for the school when this matter is finalised by the Patron.
The project in question which will attract a Band 1 priority rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. This Band rating is the highest possible. This is a clear indication of the importance which my Department attaches to the delivery of both permanent accommodation for the school and extra provision for the area.
With regard to supporting the requests of the Association referred to by the Deputy, it the norm for the business of a school to be conducted through its Board of Management. Notwithstanding this, my Department has had no request from the Association in question. In any event, I am satisfied that the arrangements put in place by my Department will address the needs of the area concerned.
