Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To reiterate, the Department and the Government are committed to the new post-primary school in the Curragh. I appreciate that when diggers are not on site it can lead to frustration but the commitment is very clear. We will build a new post-primary school. The way politics works, Teachtaí Dála, who are messengers of the people, do their work and raise the issue. I thank the Deputy for raising it today. When I meet Deputies from that constituency, whether it is the Ceann Comhairle or Deputy Heydon, this issue and those concerns are raised with me. That is important, and it is important to keep this issue alive. However, Department officials are in touch with the Department of Defence. It is not a question of simply producing a map. There are military installations on the Curragh, so there has to be proper consultation. It is even wider than that, however. There is consultation and communication with Kildare County Council as well. If there is information the Deputy believes is important or potential solutions, Department officials and myself are open to hearing those but I reiterate and re-emphaise that we will build a new post-primary school on the Curragh. It is needed, and it was announced towards the end of last year. That commitment is steadfast.

I appreciate the frustration of parents who wonder where students will go in the time ahead. However, it is important to point out that every effort is being made at Department level. I will ensure that the officials keep on this case and continue the communication. Unfortunately, because of commercial sensitivity, we cannot have a public forum when it comes to land and site acquisition but I assure the Deputy, the parents and the staff concerned publicly here today that we will ensure this will be a priority in the time ahead.

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