Vol. 508 No. 1
862 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will provide a second level school for the Donabate/Portrane peninsula in view of the continuing growth in that area and the expansion in the neighbouring towns where the schools are finding it more difficult to take pupils from outside their immediate catchment areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17784/99]
I am aware of the substantial housing developments in progress and planned for the Donabate-Portrane area, and it is intended to provide additional primary school accommodation in the area to cater for increased pupil numbers.
Pupils from this district mainly attend post-primary schools in Swords, Malahide, Sutton and Balbriggan. These schools are being extended to cater for the additional demand created by pupils coming from the Donabate-Portrane area.
My Department will keep the situation under review and, should the demand for pupil places continue to increase, consideration will be given to the question of further extending the existing schools or providing an additional second-level school in the Donabate-Portrane area.
863 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has not recognised the need for additional space at Malahide community school for the provision of additional lockers for the higher classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17785/99]
Malahide community school has recently made application for lockers and consideration is being given to the application. In 1998 the school authority also applied to my Department for lockers and approval was given at that time. My Department is currently processing an application for an extension at the school.
