Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, for attending to address this matter which is extremely important to Monaleen national school, Castletroy. I live in Monaleen where my four children went to school. There has, however, been an ongoing problem with overcrowding in Monaleen national school which has over 850 students and the enrolment is growing. It will probably reach 900 next year and be capped at that level. There are 31 classrooms, of which 13 are in prefabs. Three are in the original old school building, while a further 15 are in the newer school building. That number will increase to 16 next year, bringing the total to 32.

Following my discussions with the Minister, I am glad that his Department is considering providing a brand new 32-classroom school on the site. Effectively, that will involve knocking down and replacing the existing buildings. While that is to be welcomed, I would like to deal with the logistics. I understand a brief formulation report is being completed by the Department, but I am asking for it to be fast-tracked in order that we can proceed to the architectural planning and design phase of the new school building. Does the Minister expect the Department to examine the project in order that the school can apply for planning permission and put a contractor in place? I understand the process will take about 18 months to complete, but the new school building is urgently needed. It is welcome that the project is being prioritised for examination by the Department, but I want it to be fast-tracked in order that the brief formulation report can be issued. It will provide the road-map for how the new school building will be constructed, including the appointment of design consultants as quickly as possible. The school could then proceed to the planning phase, followed by the appointment of contractors. Parents and pupils in the fast growing greater Monaleen-Castletroy area will then have a school that is fit for purpose. It is a great school in terms of its teaching methods, but the buildings are old and need to be replaced. In addition, there are 13 prefabs which are not fit for purpose in the modern era. The Minister may wish to give me an indication of the logistics involved and indicate how quickly we can expect to have the new school building up and running.