Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

Doughiska is a new area of population built to the east of Galway city. As has been pointed out, a VEC application had merit and an application was made by Educate Together, which previously had received approval to start a school in the Galway area. However, it did not materialise because the patron body was unable to source a suitable site. In addition, we had regard to the area in question and this is what was important. It was noted that there appears to be a strong position for this school to be established because according to the census of 2006, almost 87% of the population in that area are Catholic adherents. A new school under Catholic patronage therefore would cater for the largest segment of the local population. Consideration could be given at some future date to a school under different patronage to provide diversity of provision in the area. It was recommended on this basis.

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