John Lahart
Question:206. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for a post-primary school for the Firhouse and Ballycullen, Dublin 24, area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34487/16]
View answerTuesday, 15 November 2016
Questions (206)
Written answers
My Department uses a Geographical Information System to identify the areas under increased demographic pressure nationwide. The system uses data from the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and information from my Department's own databases. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic analyses to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Among the new schools announced to open in 2017 and 2018 arising from such demographic analyses is a new post-primary school which will open in 2018 to cater for the demographic needs of the Firhouse/Oldbawn school planning area. The patronage process for this school was recently completed and Educate Together were awarded patronage of the school. When fully developed, this school will provide 1,000 pupil places, supplementing provision in the greater area.
Officials in my Department have been working closely with officials from South Dublin County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding in order to identify and procure a suitable site for the new post-primary school. A comprehensive technical assessment of a number of potentially suitable site options has been undertaken by my Department in conjunction with the Local Authority. The most suitable site will be identified following this process and negotiations with the Landowner will commence. It is not possible to indicate a timeline for the completion of the acquisition of a site for the school due to the complexity of the conveyancing process.
The building project for the school is included in my Department's Six Year Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021 and is listed to proceed to tender and construction during the period 2019 to 2021.
The school will open as scheduled in September 2018 in suitable interim accommodation pending delivery of its permanent accommodation.