Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2020
136. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if she will facilitate an increased number of enrolments in respect of two new schools (details supplied) in view of the increasing numbers school-going children in their school planning area and surrounding school planning areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29095/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, since April 2018, the Government announced plans for the establishment of 45 new schools over the 4 year period 2019 to 2022. This included a new primary school for the Donaghmede / Howth / Dublin 13 school planning area and a new post primary school for the Donaghmede / Howth / Dublin 13 / Belmayne/Clongriffin school planning area. Both schools were established in September 2019 and are in interim accommodation pending delivery of their permanent accommodation. It is not possible to increase the schools enrolment intake while they are in their current interim accommodation.
The position regarding the schools permanent accommodation is that new school buildings will be delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme.
Planning permission has been secured for the new primary school and it is intended that the project will proceed to tender in early 2021.
Planning permission was lodged for the post primary school on the 31st March 2020 and the Project Manager is currently in the process of responding to a request for further information from the Local Authority. As with all school building projects, the exact timeframe for delivery of the school will be dependent on the grant of planning permission.
My Department will keep the Board of Management fully informed of developments as they occur.
