John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I reiterate that there is still a significant number of families who live in Rathcoole but who have no school places next September for their children. It really is not appropriate that they have to send their children to Newcastle, Saggart or Clondalkin. That is not an appropriate solution. The Minister said there were options, including looking at extending the capacity of schools in the area. We need to investigate these options.

The demographics suggest there has been significant population growth in the west of Dublin. Only two years ago we had a debate in the House in which we pleaded for a new second level school in the Citywest area based on the existing number of primary schools. It was not included in the plans and was first announced in April 2018. That shows the rate of change.

I am appealing to the Minister. The population of Rathcoole will need more than what is provided for in the current plan which is to provide a single stream school in Fortunestown. That school may be extended, but it is too far away from Rathcoole.

As the Minister has indicated clearly, the current school in the area, Holy Family national school, is at capacity. The Minister has extended Scoil Chrónáin. There is immediate demand to plan for a new school in the Rathcoole area. I appeal to the Minister to work with all colleagues to try to address the shortage this year and the longer term goal of providing a new school.

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