Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I take the Senator's point about the need for choice in order that it is not just about having one school, in addition to making sure that we have growth, not just for Kinsale town but the surrounding villages, and that the estimates for that growth are correct.

The Senator will know that we have a big programme for sustainable transportation links to nearby communities so people do not have to drive their children to school. I want to be sure that his area and county are getting their fair share of that. There is €360 million available and Cork should be getting a significant amount of that. We are getting our share in my area of Dún Laoghaire so the Senator should make sure that his local authority is applying for that money.

From speaking to the Minister, the Department will continue to keep the school accommodation requirements in Kinsale under review. She said that she will be informed by demographic analysis and engagement with the local authority, but it is currently anticipated that the significant capital investment in Kinsale Community School will provide sufficient post-primary capacity in the area and facilitate the school in continuing to provide a high standard of education for the students of Kinsale.