Noel O'Donovan (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I am delighted to have confirmation that the school project has now moved to stage 2a. That is extremely welcome and the school’s management will be delighted to hear it. There is still a way to go on this issue, however. I assure the people of Clonakilty and the rest of west Cork that I will be raising it here until we see construction commence at the school. We recently noted that planning permission was granted for over 200 homes in Clonakilty. That is really welcome as Clonakilty is a hub town for west Cork. When we see the construction of homes, infrastructure must follow. We have roads issues in Clonakilty. A traffic study is to start there but we need to ensure we have the required infrastructure and facilities, including childcare facilities and school places, following on from the building of the homes. I have met people in my clinics who cannot get places for students in Clonakilty because of the current school infrastructure. We need to see delivery at the convent.

I made the point locally that bats and birds are important, but so too is a safe education. We need to see the common-sense delivery of these projects. I thank the Minister of State.