Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right. There is an anxiety with regard to the situation a few years down the line. The problem will not necessarily arise this year or next but in three or four years. Gorey community school is at maximum capacity at the moment. I had an opportunity to visit Creagh College, which has a fine new building. We were talking about autism earlier. There are four special classes in Creagh College. It will possibly have 800 pupils in the not too distant future. It has capacity for 1,000, which can be extended to 1,200. We will be very vigilant. I have asked my officials to look at the future population projections. I hear that a large number of applications for planning permission are being made for the development of housing estates. The principals I met were very anxious that we look at some form of engagement in this regard. I am happy to do that. I do not know what the preferred solution will be. It may be to build extra capacity or an additional school. I will, however, continue to engage on that issue. Gorey is now only an hour from this city and people from this city are considering purchasing houses there. We are looking at an increased population.

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