Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to see the Minister of State, Deputy English, here his morning to answer this really important question. I hope I will get a very favourable answer due to the fact he is from County Meath and knows the area.

Figures from the Central Statistics Office, CSO, clearly show that our population has increased by almost 13% over recent years. The development of new houses, along with the granting of planning permissions in our area and the surrounding areas, shows that another secondary school is needed. Almost 400 Ukrainians have settled in our area over the last couple of months. All this increase is leading to a demand for a new secondary school in our area.

Not only do we have a need for a new school, but we also have the land available to build it. In 2005, the then Bishop of Meath tried to rezone lands owned by the community and St. Finian's Diocesan Trust. That was the only piece of community land we had for the provision of community facilities and educational facilities. Thankfully, I tabled a motion at the time to the effect that this land would not be rezoned, Hence, we have 27 acres there ready to go. The bishop kindly said that if the Department of Education wants that land for the provision of a secondary school, it is there for the Department to negotiate with the trust. There is very good access to the site on Station Road from which cars and buses could enter. Bus access could also come in from the business park and pedestrian access could also go in from the main street.

In 2018, the Department decided it was going to build a secondary school. We thought we were going to get it in Duleek because the need was clearly there. Unfortunately, it went over to the Grange Rath-Mornington area. There was nothing we could do about it. It was an Educate Together school. We did not win the vote at that time. Clearly, however, our population has increased since then.

We have 12 feeder schools, namely, Duleek Boys National School, Duleek Girls National School, Scoil Cholmcille Mount Hanover, Bellewstown National School, Cushinstown National School, St. Patrick's National School in Ardcath, Donore National School, Knockcommon National School, Kentstown National School, Rathfeigh National School, Skryne National School and Yellow Furze National School. In addition, there is an option for children to come from Whitecross National School or even from Slane or Curragha. The options available at this time are in Drogheda, Laytown, Navan, Ashbourne and Grange Rath.

We have talk about creating a green environment. We are talking about giving kids the option to cycle or walk to school. We do not have that option in Duleek. Some of our children must leave for school and be picked up at 7.25 a.m. Indeed, one Facebook comment read as follows:

Will never forget when I was going to St. Oliver's. My bus picked me up at 7.25 and I'd be in school for 8 o'clock. School not starting 'til 9 then finished at 3.30 and didn't get off bus till 10 to 5 coming home. How I wish Duleek had a secondary school. [Hopefully we will see it] before my kids have to go to secondary [school].

Building a school within walking distance is really important if we want to cut emissions from cars and buses and give children a healthier lifestyle. I am hoping to get a favourable answer.I spoke to the Taoiseach when he was briefing Senators in the House last year and getting a secondary school for Duleek was one of my key priorities. There is a need for it and I hope the Minister of State will give some hope this morning that the Department will consider it.