Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2014
123. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details on the location of new schools planned in the Lucan area with a corresponding time frame of when they will be delivered; if his Department are implementing a policy of additionality in preferring new school builds in an area instead of extensions to existing schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11653/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new primary school commenced operation in Lucan in September 2013 under the patronage of the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB. It is located in interim start-up accommodation. My Department is currently working with the Local Authority to source a suitable site for permanent accommodation for the school. When a site has been secured consideration can be given to including a project for the school on the Department's capital programme. In addition, a new post-primary school will commence operation in Clonburris in September 2014 under the patronage of the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB in partnership with Educate Together. The provision of a permanent school building at Kishogue's Cross, Clonburris is being managed by the ETB and the project is on my Department's five-year plan to go to construction shortly.
My Department may consider a range of options for providing accommodation to meet demographic demands. This can include providing new schools or expanding existing schools. Factors such as the extent of students needing to be provided for together with the economic and technical feasibility as well as site capacity of existing schools can influence how the demographic need can be catered for.
