Vol. 497 No. 6
88 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide a new primary level school in Naas, County Kildare, in view of the existing and projected population of Naas; if the area zoned for educational developments in Devoy Barracks, Naas, has been examined for that purpose; if any other suitable sites have been examined; when he expects the school to be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24459/98]
Following a review by my Department of primary school accommodation needs in Naas, it was concluded that there is a need for a new 16 classroom school in the town. It is intended that this school will be provided on a site with a capacity for further development, if required. The procurement of a site for the school is being pursued by a committee representative of all primary schools in Naas and this committee has investigated a number of options in the process. A site on the Sallins side of Naas has been identified by the committee and I understand that procurement is at an advanced stage. Subject to more detailed inspection, the proposed site appears to be particularly suitable because of its location in an area of large population growth.
My Department was aware of developments in relation to Devoy Barracks, but decided not to pursue the matter further in view of the progress that had been made by the local committee towards identifying a suitable site. Every effort will be made by my Department to have the new school in place by September 2000.
