Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The former Deputy, Frances Fitzgerald, MEP, and Deputy Curran have outlined very clearly that there is a distinct need in that particular area. We are reviewing the potential to establish a new primary school in Rathcoole. That means collecting as much data as possible from planning permissions for future developments as well as for ongoing developments. I know he is not talking about the future but about the here and now. He is saying there is a need today with children travelling to different places. The data from the principals of the two existing schools on the parents who tried unsuccessfully to get children into school in September will be very helpful. Those data will be collated. We will look at planning permissions. We will look at existing demographics. It is a very young population, as the Deputy outlined previously. When I said we are reviewing it, I do not mean we are looking at it as a way of letting him that things will be grand and we will get on with what is in place. We are serious about areas like this. If there is demand in a particular area, we will give it serious consideration.

This is the second time I have discussed this issue in the House. I know I may have put on the record information I have given previously. It is important to disseminate that information publicly. A unit in the Department proactively examines future population projection and we will give it serious consideration.

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