Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 March 2019
140. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposed location of the new second-level Educate Together school for Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11702/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Government recently announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.
The announcement included a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school to be established in 2019 to serve the Galway City and Oranmore school planning areas as a regional solution and patronage of the new school was awarded to Educate Together in October 2018. My Department has identified East Galway City as the preferred location for the school in order to best serve the combined school planning areas.
On that basis, the school will open in September 2019 in suitable interim accommodation in the Merlin Park area. In relation to the permanent school site, my Department is examining all potential suitable site options including zoned school sites. A decision will then be made as part of the site acquisition process in relation to an appropriate site for the school to which the Deputy refers and this will be confirmed at a later date.
