asked the Minister for Education the plans his Department have for the provision of post-primary education in the Portmarnock area, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Post-Primary Education.
18.
Mr. R. Burke
It is envisaged that the post-primary needs of the Portmarnock/Malahide area will be catered for, initially, by the community school which is to be provided in Malahide. A separate school will be provided in the Portmarnock area when there are sufficient pupils to warrant it.
Is the Minister aware of the existence of a survey carried out by the local community council in the Pormarnock area which indicated that in approximately three years' time there will be sufficient pupils for a post-primary school? Within the three years the school in Malahide will be more than overcrowded and there will be an absolute necessity for a separate post-primary school in the Portmarnock area.
Mr. R. Burke
My Department are aware of the census figure and make projections in conjunction with such groups as the planning office in Dublin Corporation and, when a school is needed for that area, it will be buil.
In view of the fact that this school will be required, within three or four years, as the figures prove, and as the Minister is only too well aware, would it not be appropriate for the Minister to start planning for the opening of a school in three or four years' time?
Mr. R. Burke
Deputy Burke can rest assured that advance planning is taking place.
Would the Minister agree to the construction of this school on a site of approximately 45 acres on the western side of Portmarnock to be acquired for amenity purposes and school purposes by Dublin County Council?
The Deputy is now bringing in new matter.
Mr. R. Burke
I will take a note of what the Deputy said and communicate with him.
The Minister will keep it in mind?