Vol. 574 No. 2
151 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the serious capacity problems being encountered by schools in the Naas area of County Kildare; his plans to provide the resources to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26515/03]
I am aware that Naas and its environs, like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continues to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision.
However, I assure the Deputy that, both within Naas town and its immediate environs, a range of measures has been adopted by my Department to address the future need for pupil places. At primary level an entire new school has been provided at Killashee while temporary accommodation has been provided at Scoil Corbáin in Naas and at one of the two nearby national schools at Caragh.
At Sallins boys' national school, proposals for a seven-classroom extension are at an advanced stage of architectural planning. When delivered, this extension will increase capacity at the school from nine to 16 classrooms. Likewise, plans for a new 16 classroom school together with a double autistic unit for Naas town are at an advanced stage of planning. This latter project will, in particular, assist in easing any difficulties for primary pupil places that may exist in Naas. Additionally, there are proposals to revamp accommodation at St. David's national school, at Kill national school and at Two Mile House national school. The accommodation needs of the national schools at Ballycane, Caragh and Convent of Mercy in Naas are also being assessed.
At post-primary level, surplus capacity exists at St. Patrick's post-primary school. The school's management authority, County Kildare VEC, is assessing the future of the school at its existing location. A major extension project has been completed at St. Mary's College which has increased capacity at the school to 800 pupils. A further application for additional accommodation at the school is being assessed. A major extension at Meánscoil Iognáid Rís is in architectural planning.
I assure the Deputy that the school planning section of my Department will keep the position in the general Naas area under review.
