Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004
270 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the applications for Scropul School and Coore School in County Clare for the summer grant scheme were not considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7857/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach unsuccessful applicant under the summer works scheme will receive a letter from my Department outlining the reason why works were not approved. These letters will issue to schools as quickly as possible.
271 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will provide funding for a new primary school at Laytown, County Meath, in view of the rapidly growing population in the area and the inability of Laytown national school to cope with local needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7916/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I recently announced, over the remainder of this school year a new school planning model involving published area development plans will be piloted in five areas. Included in the pilot scheme is the south Louth and mid-Meath region which covers the area referred to by the Deputy.
The purpose of this new approach to school planning is to ensure that, in future, the provision of school infrastructure will be decided only after a transparent consultation process. In this regard, parents, trustees, sponsors of prospective new school and all interested parties in the locality will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process. Following the consultation process, individual plans will set out the blueprint for schools' development in an area covering a period of up to ten years.
In the meantime, my Department recently approved the provision of two prefabs for Laytown national school. It is open to the school authority to apply for extra temporary accommodation to cater for any further emerging needs.
