asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement concerning the limited number of vacancies available at post-primary schools in the Walkinstown-Greenhills-Perrystown and Templeogue areas, County Dublin; and if he is aware of the concern of the parents in these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Schools.
27.
Mr. R. Burke
I am satisfied that there will be sufficient places available for second-level pupils from this area in the immediate future. The need for further accommodation will be catered for by two school extensions now in hands and by the erection of two additional schools for which sites have been reserved.
Is the Minister aware that recently 300 students sat an entrance examination at Templeogue College where there were only 20 vacancies? Surely this does not indicate that there is adequate accommodation in the area?
Mr. R. Burke
The vocational school at Greenhills which has an enrolment of 800 boys is at present being extended and will have accommodation for 1,200 boys in September, 1975. Arrangements are being made to extend St. Paul's school, Greenhills, to cater for 800 girls. There is also the question of reservation of a site at Butterfield Avenue, Rathfarnham, for a new vocational school to cater for 500 students. We have reserved a site at Orwell Road, Willington Lane, in the district of Templeogue and a school will be provided when the numbers in the area warrant it.
I am aware of the reservation of sites but I am talking about the present need. I should like the Minister to inform me at what stage is the extension to St. Paul's school? When can we hope to see the work commence?
Mr. R. Burke
I do not know about the commencement but I think it will be completed in 1977.