Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I return to a familiar topic that I have raised in the Dáil a number of times. I acknowledge that the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, is taking this debate. I wish to express my disappointment, but also my understanding, that the Minister, Deputy Foley, is not in a position to take it. She is familiar with this long-standing issue.

The opening of a new school in any community is an important milestone, particularly for younger generations. In Ballincollig, we have a fantastic network of education infrastructure, but we need new school buildings for Gaelscoil an Chaisleáin, which has been in temporary accommodation for four years. This September will see Le Chéile Secondary School opening its doors for the first time. I wish its principal, Ms Nicola Barrett, and staff every success.

We want permanent accommodation for these schools. On average, the Department's timeframe from the point of identifying a site to turning the key and moving into a new school is approximately five years. This means that the pupils who are now in second class in the Gaelscoil's current accommodation at the rugby club in Tanner Park will never see the new school. We need to get a move on. We have been at this for some time. I appreciate that site acquisition is not easy, particularly in a rapidly growing town such as Ballincollig where there is a great deal of pressure on the available land. I had hoped that the Minister would be in attendance so that I could urge her to take a hands-on approach and drive the conclusion of the acquisitions for these new schools in Ballincollig. I await with interest the Department's response to this matter.

See this speech in context