Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. At the request of Councillor Clifford Kelly, the chairman of the board of management of Coláiste Dún an Rí, I met the parents association and some of the school staff. The pride they take in their school was clear, as were the precautions they put in place. Every safety guideline they have been given by public health and the Department regarding the provision of education at the present time has been implemented very strictly.

Councillor Kelly has been a powerful advocate for the school for many years. I have worked closely with him and other public representatives and the local community. John Kearney, the CEO of Cavan and Monaghan ETB, and his colleagues, along with Fergal Boyle, the principal of the school, and his staff colleagues all work together as a team. They are determined to get this application over the line to have that additional accommodation provided.

I am aware of the long-term projections the ETB provided in its application. I did some homework on the matter and I have to say the projected enrolment of 815 by 2024 is relatively conservative. I have no doubt that the people who provided the Department with the application are absolutely solid and that additional accommodation is needed. I would appreciate it if the matter could be advanced as soon as possible.

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