Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is broken down into two issues. I again thank the Deputies for raising the matter. The demographics are evolving and there are young families in the area. We have to be vigilant about the changed demographics and the increased number of residential developments. That is at what my officials look. They also look at long-term issues, including where planning permission is sought.

We can provide enhanced capacity at existing schools sites. That is looked at, as is the question of where there is a need for a new school. That can also be analysed. In this instance, we have a short-term issue involving 15 to 19 families. At this time of year not all of the data for spaces are available. I will ask the officials in the Department to work with the local authorities in the area to ensure a solution is worked on in that regard in the short term, but we also need to look at the long-term issue. In Dublin, Meath, Kildare and the Acting Chairman's county of Louth there is a constantly evolving picture, with a growing population and more housing developments. This is something of which departmental officials are conscious, which is why they use the geographic information system and as much up-to-date data as possible.

I am happy to work with the Deputies on this issue and appreciate their raising it in the House. The issues of education provision and ensuring we provide as much access for young people as possible are above politics. Certainly, I am happy to work with the Deputies on the matter.

See this speech in context