Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. He and I live in commuter towns. The populations in such towns have grown significantly in recent years. What is most important is that the services respond to those increases in population and that we forward plan insofar as is possible. In recent years, particularly this year, 15 new special classes have been sanctioned for County Kildare. This will add to the 131 classes that are already in place and that support about 760 children. The new classes will provide capacity for 90 students in both primary and post-primary. In addition, there are six special schools that support 360 children. As the Deputy has mentioned previously, there are three building projects that are progressing. These will provide extra school capacity within the areas in question. Those projects relate to Sapling Special School, Stepping Stones and the school in Craddockstown. The most important thing we can do now is make sure that where a need is identified, we plan for it at the earliest stage possible and look not just at the next year but also the years ahead. I will work with the Deputy to ensure we identify that need and plan accordingly.

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