Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government refers to the Department of Education and Skills providing "world-class education", something with which I could not agree more. I draw the Taoiseach's attention to the situation in Newbridge where young boys and girls in sixth class will have no secondary school place next September. There is a waiting list in every one of our three secondary schools. In 2015, the Newbridge area was put on a Department list of areas in need of a new school. Last May, the then Minister for Education and Skills said that a decision and an announcement were imminent. This was then postponed until October and again until November. On 29 November, when I raised this issue as a Topical Issue matter, I was basically told to check the Department's website. I have also raised it in parliamentary questions. The parents, children and community of Newbridge are suffering. When will an announcement be made and when will work start on a new secondary school for the area?

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