Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement matter. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, to the Chamber. To set the scene, Barna is a popular place to live. As I am sure she will be aware, it is on the outskirts of Galway city. It is a coastal town that has experienced rapid growth over the past 20 years. The 2016 census recorded a population of 2,000. The population projection is set to increase by 750 people by 2028 under the draft county development plan presently on display. In that plan, Barna is part of the metropolitan hierarchy.It is connected to the Mutton Island sewage plant and, therefore, future development is pretty much guaranteed. While it is situated in County Galway, it is the closest urban area to Galway city.

Scoil Shéamais Naofa primary school is situated on the R336 coast road. It was built in 1980 and its enrolment at present is 259 pupils. The school is on a restricted site on a busy coast road, with heavy traffic and narrow footpaths. The building is outdated in terms of classroom size, layout and energy efficiency. The yard space is limited and is sloped, which results in pupils falling in wet or icy conditions and is particularly unsuitable for children with a physical disability.

Tá Bearna lonnaithe sa Ghaeltacht agus tá an scoil páirteach sa scéim aitheantais do scoileanna Gaeltachta. Tá 259 dalta ag freastal ar an scoil faoi láthair. Tógadh an scoil i 1980 agus níl sé suas chun dáta sa lá atá inniu ann ó thaobh fuinnimh, toirt na seomraí ranga, leagan amach an fhoirgnimh agus araile. Tá an scoil suite ar an mbóthar cósta R336, áit a bhfuil trácht trom, cosán cúng agus nach bhfuil aon áit sábháilte le dul trasna an bhóthair. Tá an Ghaeilge lárnach sa phobal agus ceadaíodh plean teanga do limistéir Bhearna agus Cnoc na Cathrach le déanaí.

The current draft county development plan includes a policy objective for the Barna metropolitan settlement plan to support the upgrading of or relocation of Scoil Shéamais Naofa to a more appropriate site within the plan boundary, which would facilitate increased pupil capacity and more expansive recreational facilities, with improved and safer access. This is similar to objectives in previous plans that have not come to pass. Lands suitable for the relocation of Scoil Shéamais Naofa, owned by community facilities in Galway County Council, have been identified off the main Moycullen road in the centre of Barna. These lands could be accessed via a continuation of the inner relief road in the town. This site would be more suitable than the existing school site, would provide more space, be safer and encourage more walking and cycling by children. The school in Barna is on a very busy road and it is of its time. It has a wonderful principal and staff providing a good standard of education. However, the site is too small for the school's current needs, given that the village is close to Galway city and is only going to grow, subject to zoning, the county development plan and the projections therein. What engagement has the Department had with the school's board of management regarding the possible relocation to an alternative site?