Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Post-primary schools in Dublin Mid-West are bursting at the seams. Secondary schools in Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathcoole and Citywest are all operating waiting lists. That means school administration teams are under pressure. It means parents are stressed out and that we are creating anxiety for children.

Research carried out independently in Clondalkin suggests there could be a shortfall of as many as 90 children between those currently in sixth class and second-level school places locally. My constituency is a really growing area. We have two strategic development zones. We have thousands of houses under construction. I am informed by the Department of Education that we have not yet reached the peak of demand. What reassurance can the Minister give parents in Clondalkin, Lucan, Rathcoole and Palmerston that their children will be in second-level schools in September?

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