Written answers

Tuesday, 23 May 2006

Department of Education and Science

Education Provision

9:00 pm

Photo of Arthur MorganArthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 461: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the basis for her decision in respect of north Drogheda environs local area plan with regard to education provision and protection of lands required for same; her views on whether the provision of lands for education purposes should be provided within the plan area; and the reason children in this plan area will have to cross a busy dual carriageway to attend school, when land could be zoned within the plan area for education facilities. [19134/06]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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When the draft North Drogheda Environs Local Area Plan was forwarded to my Department by Louth County Council for initial comment on the extent of educational provision required, my Department considered that it would be prudent to plan for 4 primary and 2 post-primary schools.

While only 3 primary school sites are reserved in the Plan itself, my Department is satisfied that further school provision can be made on the Green Belt area to the north of Local Area Plan as the need arises. My Department understands that this land can only be developed for amenity or educational purposes and, therefore, there is no danger that it will not be able to secure additional land for further educational purposes in the area in the future. This includes both primary and post-primary provision.

Regarding post-primary provision in particular, my Department is in agreement that provision, in the first instance, adjacent to proposed sporting facilities and the transport hub on the north eastern boundary, as envisaged by the local authority, is logical and desirable. This is in accord with the Department's policy regarding sharing community facilities. My Department accepts that it is not necessary to make post-primary site reservations within the plan given that lands adjacent thereto are available with the appropriate zonings. This applies equally to a site reservation for a fourth primary school.

In summary, my Department is satisfied following consultations with the local authority that there will be sufficient land available to it to develop the requisite number of primary and post-primary schools to meet the needs of the proposed new neighbourhood developments in Drogheda. My Department will be ensuring that access to any new schools in the Green Belt area will take account of all health and safety issues.

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