Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
521 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the huge housing developments taking place in Westbrook, Carrigmore and Fortunestown between west Tallaght and Saggart; if he will examine the implications for school accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22281/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials 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 and reserving sites for schools, where required. Arising from this process, sites for primary school purposes have been reserved at Fortunestown and Saggart.
A decision on the provision of new schools in these areas will involve further consultations with the local authority regarding the rate and likely timescale of housing developments, together with an ongoing assessment of the capacity of existing schools in the area to meet the anticipated demand. In this regard, it should be noted that the overall enrolment trend in schools in the Tallaght area is downward. However, in light of the proposed additional housing in the area, my Department will continue to monitor developments and any needs identified will be addressed by increasing existing school capacity, or through new school provision, as appropriate.
