Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

Enrolments at primary level are expected to grow by 45,000 pupils between now and 2018. The priority is to focus on meeting the need for additional school places.

My Department has identified a requirement for new schools in the Tallaght area to cater for increasing demographics. These new schools will also serve to strengthen diversity of school provision in the area based on parental demand for the type of schools to be provided. In addition, there will be a requirement to extend some existing schools to meet the demographic need. In this regard, my Department is currently examining an application from the school to which the Deputy refers for improved and extended accommodation. My officials have met with the school and will be in further contact with the school authority as soon as full consideration of the application has been completed.

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