Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I note what he is saying on the urgency of this matter. I also note it is his fourth time raising it in the Dáil. I will relay this information to the Minister, Deputy Foley. I have no doubt that she takes a hands-on approach in so far as possible with all of the building projects.

What the Deputy said about Ballincollig, and the fact it is a very busy area, goes to show how difficult and challenging it has been for the Department to acquire a site. I also agree with him that it cannot be just a matter of acquiring a site for the sake of it and that it needs to be a site that is right and for the right reasons. I note what the Deputy said in this regard about spatial planning and sustainable transport options. All of these matters need to be considered and taken seriously when we speak about building a school. It cannot be done in haste. Due diligence has to be done on the right location, apart from the technical aspect of acquiring a site. Of course, the best value for the Exchequer needs to be taken into account also. I note that Gaelscoil an Chaisleáin will be getting 16 new classrooms. This will be provided for in the interim. Le Chéile will get a 1,000-pupil post-primary school building in due course. It is fair to say the Minister, Deputy Foley, the Department and I would like this to be expedited as soon as practicable and as soon as possible. I will pass on the Deputy's comments because we want to ensure children have adequate accommodation when they are learning in school on a daily basis.

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