Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
92. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made on a proposed school (details supplied) which has already been planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10636/14]
View answer93. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a timeline in place regarding the commencement of works on the proposed school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10638/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
Last year a patronage determination process, overseen by the New Schools Establishment Group, was run to establish who would operate a new 16-classroom school for the Knocknacarra area of Galway City.
Two applicants, namely Educate Together and Lifeways Ireland, which provides the Steiner model, demonstrated strong and similar levels of parental demand for their models. The level of parental demand, however, for an Educate Together school was stronger.
Given all of the circumstances, I decided to award Patronage of a new 8-classroom school to Educate Together to commence operation in 2014 and this is proceeding. I also decided to give consideration to the establishment of a further 8-classroom school in 2015 under the patronage of Lifeways Ireland. This will be subject to confirmation that parental demand will support this model and size of school at that time. My Department will be in contact with Lifeways Ireland at the appropriate time to progress this matter. This will include arrangements for start-up accommodation for the school if this arises.
