Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
341. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of a new secondary school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5785/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware in June 2011, I announced that up to 40 new schools are to be established up to 2017 to cater for increasing demographics across a number of locations. These consisted of twenty new primary schools and twenty new post-primary schools. This announcement did not include a proposal to establish any new second level school in the area in County Westmeath referred to by the Deputy.The Forward Planning Section of my Department will continue to monitor enrolments in the area referred to by the Deputy to ensure that there is sufficient school accommodation to meet any projected future demands.If a decision is made to establish a new school in the area referred to by the Deputy, my Department will consider all suitable options for its location including the site referred to by the Deputy. This process will take into account the suitability of any site for the development of school buildings as well as the cost of acquiring it.
