Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Some six months ago I raised the matter of a new second level school in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath when a religious order had offered a greenfield site for school accommodation. I was informed work was in hand to establish the projected enrolment figures for the school. I am hoping that task has been completed. The land for the proposed new school building has been signed and sealed. I have been approached again by parents to see if the ground has shifted on the project. If not, why not? What is the up-to-date news about the school's plans?

The parents believe that the project is ready to go to tender. I explained to them there are six stages involved. They want to get beyond the enrolment phase as they know the number of pupils the catchment area will yield. It is a popular school offering a range of subjects both technical and academic. Many years ago it was scheduled for closure but I knew it had a future. As the then Minister for Education I put my faith and money into necessary building work which allowed it to continue. Times have moved on, the range of subjects has changed and so too the expectations of parents and students.