Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is encouraging that a suitable site has been identified. It is both technically suitable and available and negotiations have been initiated. Obviously, in a commercial situation I will not jeopardise it by seeking to identify timelines or deadlines, particularly given the history of disappointment.

The Deputy raises the wider issue of provision. In their planning of town development local authorities need to be more attentive to planning school needs. Our model only clicks in when the child is born and so on; that is what triggers provision. It is a good system in its own right. However, it would be helpful if local authorities that are planning housing and can anticipate the future need identified sites in their development plans.

I will ask officials to consider if CPOs should have a greater role than has been the case. It tends to be the nuclear option and can involve protracted legal disputes, as we have seen in other areas where they have been used. It is not an always a short and easy solution to issues. However, I will look at the issue.

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