Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I thank the Minister for taking this Adjournment matter and the Ceann Comhairle for permitting it. I seek clarification in regard to a parliamentary question I asked the Minister for Education and Science yesterday seeking information on Athy community college. Two years ago, I attended a function at which the Taoiseach turned the sod at the school, yet no progress has been made since then. Further concerns have been raised by the Minister's reply yesterday. She stated:

However, due to a decline in enrolment trends and the level of investment which would be required to facilitate a relatively small number of pupils, it was decided not to allow the proposed building project to progress through architectural planning until a complete review of the long-term viability of the school has been carried out.

This would seem to contradict everyone's view of the project, including that of the Taoiseach, who turned the sod two years ago.

The development plan for Athy has led to major population growth in the town. In 1970, the population stood at 4,270 whereas the latest development plan envisages a population of 16,000, not including the catchment areas of Ballylinan, Kilberry, Kilkee, Kilmead and other small villages which have experienced population increase. In fact, all the south Kildare area that is attached to Athy for educational purposes has experienced a major increase in population. Nonetheless, a major dent has been put in one of the flagship educational projects in the area, namely, the completion of a new college at Athy.

Has the development been put on the back burner? How long will the review of the viability of the school take? Have there been second thoughts regarding the project? What aspect of the development will progress? Will the present school be developed or will a new school be developed on the site opened by the Taoiseach? What is the position in regard to this much needed educational facility in the context of the recent expansion of population in south Kildare, which highlights the need for it? At least 1,000 houses are at construction stage in the area and a greater number are at the planning stage with the local town council. It beggars belief that this infrastructure project, which is vital given the young population of the town and its hinterland, seems to be going backwards.

The Minister of State should clarify the situation. He should alleviate the concerns of the teachers of the school and local primary school pupils, who would benefit from the school. Education in south Kildare would benefit if he could give a clear picture regarding the provision of this college.

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