Multi-Denominational Schools.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2007

Wednesday, 26 September 2007

Ceisteanna (585)

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

683 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she has taken to deal with the capacity problems being faced by parents wishing to send their children to multi-denominational schools in the Lucan area, particularly in relation to the usage of the available sites at Adamstown; if she has been contacted by a group (details supplied) regarding the creation of a school for Lucan in the south Lucan area; if suitable land banks have been identified including the proposed Balgaddy SDZ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19781/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

The Department established a further multi-denominational school to serve the Lucan area in September of this year. This school is temporarily located in a new school building in Adamstown. It is intended to re-locate this school to Lucan once a suitable site has been acquired. The Department is in discussion with the local authority in relation to this issue.

With regard to the Balgaddy SDZ, the Deputy will be aware that this Scheme is only in the very early stages of development. The Department will be approaching the school accommodation requirements for this SDZ in the same way as it did for Adamstown. The Deputy will be aware that the Department's approach to the Adamstown SDZ has resulted in the delivery of school accommodation ahead of housing developments.

I can confirm that the Patron Body to which the Deputy refers has submitted a Notice of Intention to establish a further school in the Lucan area to the New Schools Advisory Committee.