Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Catherine Murphy, along with the other three Deputies in that constituency, is well aware of the history of this particular school project, how the selection was made, the process engaged upon by the new school establishment group, all based on the Department’s assessment of the need for additional post-primary places in the growing town of Maynooth. The procedure applied in the Maynooth area was exactly the same as was for schools in other similar towns across the country. There was more than one applicant for the running of the new post-primary school, in addition to the existing school which will get a whole new building.

The matter is complex and I am trying to bring along as many people as possible in the interests of the quality of education in the area, as well as best possible community outcomes. We have made progress and will continue to do so. As the Deputy said, there is some time for that progress to be made. Enrolments have already started for this school, so we have to tread very carefully to ensure everyone involved is consulted on how best to proceed. That is what I intend to do. There have been numerous meetings, as the Deputy will be aware, on this matter. We will have more meetings should that be necessary.

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