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Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020

Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Ceisteanna (485, 489)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

485. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the up- to-date position with the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25496/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

489. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the status of the plan to provide a new secondary school for the Newbridge, Kildare and Curragh areas of County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25556/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 489 together.

The existing Curragh Post-Primary school is a multi-denominational community college under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).

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 will also cater for demand arising in the adjoining Newbridge and Kildare school planning areas. There is capacity in the existing Curragh Post-Primary school building pending delivery of the new school building.

I can confirm that the Department is currently finalising a site identification exercise in order to technically appraise suitable sites within the relevant school planning areas, for the post primary school to which you refer. This exercise has been progressed during the past months, in line with restrictions in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic, nevertheless, my officials have progressed the exercise to the point where final site selection is imminent. Further announcements will be made when it becomes possible to do so.

Due to obvious commercial sensitivities, I cannot elaborate any further at this juncture but please rest assured that the project is being given due consideration and attention.

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