Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 April 2009
164 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made in identifying an expanded site in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13601/09]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is not actively pursuing a site for the school in question.
165 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the school sites that have been identified in the Citywest/Saggart/Rathcoole areas of County Dublin for new or expanded schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13602/09]
View answerThe Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area. Educational accommodation requirements in the Citywest/Saggart/Rathcoole areas, and any subsequent issues which may arise, will be considered in this context.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Department has requested South Dublin County Council to make reservation for a 3 acre site in the Fortunestown Lane/Garter's Lane area for future primary education in this area. I understand this has been adopted. The acquisition of the site will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally. In light of the many competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the acquisition of the site at this time.
166 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans in place to provide for the increase in population in Newcastle, County Dublin either through an expanded school (details supplied) or a new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13603/09]
View answerMy Department is currently in discussion with South Dublin County Council regarding suitable site options for the school to which the Deputy refers. The acquisition of a suitable site and the proposed long-term building project for the school will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for the multi-annual school building and modernisation programme. My Department recently provided a modular 2-classroom block to meet the immediate accommodation requirements in the school with provision to provide an additional 2 classrooms from September, 2009 depending on enrolments.
