Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Liam Lawlor

Ceist:

816 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to a communication by Deputy Lawlor on 1 August 2001 which included the concerns of a local parents association in the Lucan area, he will respond comprehensively to the points raised and also take into account a further representation on the matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26463/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department is currently conducting a thorough review of school provision in the Lucan area. As part of this review, the options for meeting the primary school accommodation needs of the area, by providing temporary accommodation in the short-term and extensions or new schools in the medium to long-term, are under active consideration. Discussions will be held, also, between officials of the planning and building unit and the principals of the four postprimary schools in Lucan to ascertain their views on developments in the area.

Extensions to two of the post-primary schools in Lucan are at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The position in regard to the building project at St. Joseph's College, Lucan, is that stage 3, developed sketch scheme, has been cleared by my Department and a stage 4-5, detail design-bill of quantities, submission is awaited from the school. The position regarding the building project at Coláiste Phádraig, Lucan, is that my Department has approved stage 4-5, detail design-bill of quantities, for the extension. The decision to proceed to tender is still being examined and will be made in the light of the allocations to be made for school building purposes in the forthcoming estimates. A new permanent building for Cólaiste Cois Life is also in architectural planning.

With regard to the Adamstown area, the position is that, on foot of the draft area plan prepared by South Dublin County Council, my Department reserved two sites in the area, one for a primary school and one for a postprimary school. A copy of the plan adopted by the county council in July was received in my Department last week. I understand that the detailed planning scheme for the area is currently in preparation. The detailed planning scheme and the adopted area plan, together with details of the location, scale and pace of housing developments, will assist my Department considerably in determining the level of additional school provision required in that area. A final decision on the development of schools in the Adamstown area has not yet been taken by my Department.

Officials of my Department's planning section meet on a regular basis with the planning department of South Dublin County Council with a view to identifying the need for additional educational provision.