Gerald Nash (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for bringing clarity to this matter. I would be happy to lead a delegation of parents, teachers and members of the school's board of management to meet the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, or the Minister of State. One of the problems I have discerned from the process is a lack of communication, poor communication or miscommunications along the way. It is a complex process. The Minister of State can imagine the frustration on the part of parents seeing a considerable number of schools in the area being built while the school they fought hard to secure a number of years ago under the schools capital programme has been repeatedly long fingered and delayed.

We were aware that there were issues several years ago with proposals around decanting children from the school to an alternative location in Drogheda. The Department expressed concern about logistical arrangements to allow it to happen. It may have delayed proceedings regarding reaching this point in the project. It is a complex and difficult site. We all want the school to be built, in the interests of the staff, pupils and teachers.

Julianstown school was once a very small, rural school. However, given that the area is one of the fastest-growing in the State, there has been a considerable population increase in the area, with new housing developments. Given the number of young couples in the area, the demographic profile is set to increase during the next few years. We need the school to be built as soon as possible. I appreciate the Minister of State's intervention and I will take up the opportunity to meet him, the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton and relevant Department officials to expedite this necessary project. It is very much appreciated.