I propose to take Questions Nos. 1295 and 1404 together.
As previously outlined to the Deputy, it is my Department's policy to ensure that schools in an area can between them cater for all pupils seeking places. This not alone maximises the use of available accommodation in the interest of tax payer expenditure but also ensures that no school is developed to the detriment of another. Schools are expected to implement enrolment policies to underpin this position.
With regard to the school concerned, and consistent with the policy outlined, a decision was taken earlier this year not to provide it with extra accommodation because of the availability of vacant accommodation in schools within a reasonable distance namely: St. Anne's National School and Ard Mhuire National School. This decision still stands. The Department is replacing some substandard accommodation at the school in question and it awaits quotations from the school authority in this regard to progress the matter.
My Department is aware that there are significant developments planned for the Tallaght area and it is liaising with South Dublin County Council regarding future school requirements for the area on this basis.
In this context, the Department has also requested the school to which the Deputy refers to submit an application for large scale capital investment which will be assessed in the context of the overall need of the area rather than on a piecemeal basis in the interests of meeting the long term needs of the community as a whole.