Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 441: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of her recent criticisms of local authorities for granting too many planning permissions in areas with inadequate school places, she lodged an objection to proposals since granted to construct three hundred more houses and apartments (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24782/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Local Authorities are obliged by statute to refer draft local area development plans to the Department for observation and comment so that lands can be zoned for future education use. There are numerous sites reserved for education purposes under this process particularly in rapidly developing areas.

Once subsequent residential planning permissions are consistent with these plans, the focus for the Department is one of collaboration with the local authority to ensure that the lands set aside for educational provision can be acquired and developed as they are needed.

The Department has prioritised the acquisition of a reserved site in the area to which the Deputy refers in light of the planned housing developments for the area.

The acquisition of a site in the area is a priority for the Department in light of the planned housing developments.