Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 230: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of meetings her Department has had with interested groups in regard to the provision of a site that will provide a sustainable position in regard to the population increase in the Newbridge, County Kildare area and its hinterland for educational purpose particularly at primary education level; the results of such meeting; her views on such results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35990/06]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 234: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans in regard to the provision of a new primary school in Newbridge to provide a permanent structure in this area where a large increase in the population has necessitated the school principals joining a parish enrolment committee in an attempt to address the growing problems that schools are encountering in seeking to address new applications; the timescale envisaged in regard to the provision of a permanent structure rather than portacabins or temporary structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35994/06]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 246: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the meetings her Department officials and consultants appointed by Kildare County Council have had in relation to the drawing up of the development plan for Newbridge; the results of such meetings in relation to the educational needs of the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36041/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230, 234 and 246 together.

To meet increased demand for primary school places in the area referred to by the Deputy, a Notice of Intention to apply for the recognition of a new primary school to commence operation next September has been submitted to the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC). As with all such applications, a full application must be submitted to the NSAC no later than 31st of January 2007 and, following the NSAC's report to me in the matter, I expect to announce my decision in mid-April of 2007.

In relation to both the immediate and the long term educational needs for the Newbridge area, officials in the School Planning Section of the Department are currently working closely with the schools' authorities in the area to see how best these needs can be met. These discussions are ongoing and include the issue of site acquisition to facilitate both temporary school accommodation and permanent buildings.

The Department is also proactively engaged with the Local Authority in relation to the development of education infrastructure in Newbridge and did make a submission on this matter when the Newbridge Local Area Plan was being drafted by the Local Authority.