School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020

Tuesday, 20 October 2020

Questions (374)

Michael Creed

Question:

374. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 184 of 14 October 2020, the steps taken to date to secure accommodation, staff and other provisions in order to open a new secondary school at a location (details supplied) on an interim basis in September 2020; the steps taken to create awareness among parents and pupils seeking enrolment in this school; if school patronage has been decided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31708/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The building project for the school in question is included in my Department's capital programme.

On 16 October, I invited applications from school patron bodies/prospective school patrons for patronage of 4 new post-primary schools to be established in September 2021, including the new post-primary school for Ballincollig. The deadline for receipt of application from prospective patrons is 21 October. It is envisaged that the Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) would open for parents of eligible children to express their parental preferences in relation to the patronage and language of instruction of the new schools, including the school for Ballincollig, soon after the patron application process is completed.

The school will open in suitable interim accommodation in 2021 pending delivery of its permanent project.