Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

Furthermore, on 12 February this year, the Minister announced 25 projects which were to enter into architectural design. This announcement included a major capital project for the extension of Scoil Bride, Knockmay, to create a 32-classroom school catering for 800 pupils.

Apart from provision at primary level, significant investment has been made in provision at post-primary level. The Department has recently delivered Portlaoise college, a new VEC school catering for 700 pupils. It is situated on a 20 acre site and has 50 classrooms including science laboratories, four computer rooms, a home economics room and a music and drama room. A new community school for Mountrath is currently in construction. This new school will provide places for 650 pupils and it is envisaged that it will be ready for occupation by September 2009. Two other post-primary school building projects are due to go on site this year and are being delivered by way of public private partnerships. Both of these schools will cater for 850 pupils each.

The Deputy will understand that it is not possible to progress all projects at the same time. However, I assure him that the Minister is committed to continuing to invest in school accommodation in County Laois. I am confident that the measures outlined will assist in alleviating the immediate demand for pupil places in the area and I thank the Deputy for allowing me the opportunity to outline the Department's position on school provision in the Laois area.

See this speech in context