Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy knows, the money for the second level school is ring fenced. That project is included in the current five year plan so there is no reason why it cannot progress to construction next year. The proposed amalgamated school is progressing through all of the stages and that project is in a strong position for inclusion in the forthcoming six-year plan to be announced in the coming weeks. That plan is evidence based and aims to provide additional accommodation for students in areas of need. The fact that enrolment in the schools in question has been increasing will help their case. Decisions will be made on the basis of research into future needs in various areas conducted over the last six to eight months by the relevant departmental unit.

Regarding the classroom that the school wishes to build this year, my Department does a lot to magic up the money to build schools but local planning decisions are the responsibility of local authorities. That issue is best left to the Deputy and his party's local councillors. The Department cannot solve that particular problem but the money is available for the classroom.

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