Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
318. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which he is addressing the requirement for additional second level school places in Newbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54396/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn April 2018, the Government announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review, and in particular would have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040, and also noted that there will be a be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future, which can be addressed through either planned capacity increases, additional accommodation or extensions to existing schools.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's review of provision at post-primary level across the school planning areas in the South Kildare area is now complete.
My Department is satisfied that the needs in the area can be met through the replacement and expansion of the existing Curragh Post-Primary School with a new 1,000 pupil school building. It is intended that the expansion of the existing Curragh post-Primary school, a multi-denominational Community College under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB), will also cater for demand arising in the adjoining Newbridge and Kildare school planning areas.
Engagement is ongoing in relation to the potential for Educate Together to become a Trustee Partner for the school. A new site will be required for the school and my Department will be liaising with KWETB regarding the process for identifying a suitable site for the new school building.
