The recognition of new primary schools is a matter for the New Schools Advisory Committee. It is open to any patron body to apply for the recognition of a new school through this body. Details of the application procedure and recognition criteria are available on the Department's website.
As the Deputy will be aware, last February I announced a new additional model of primary school patronage which will be introduced, on a pilot basis in September 2008, in Diswellstown, Dublin 15. This school will operate under the administrative framework of the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee. The Department has commenced a process of consultation with the relevant education partners to explore the detailed implementation measures that will need to be put in place prior to the opening of the new school. A location for the new school is under consideration.
As the Deputy will also be aware, I have given the go-ahead for the delivery of a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school in Phibblestown area of Dublin 15. The VEC applied for and received approval to act as Patron of this school. In the Tyrrelstown area of Dublin 15 the Department has reserved a site for a further post primary school and it is examining site possibilities for a new post primary school in the Castleknock area with the local authority. The educational reservation in the Hansfield SDZ allows for the development of a post primary school for up to 1,000 pupils. The Patronage of these schools will be decided at the appropriate time.