Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 410: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will postpone the establishment of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 in view of the fact that the anticipated demand for this school has not materialised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17420/08]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 411: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the number of these from children living in the catchment area; the number who meet the enrolment age requirement; the final deadline for enrolment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17421/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 410 and 411 together.

The position in relation to enrolment in Scoil Oisín, Phoenix Park, Dublin 15 has been under review in the context of overall requirements for primary school places in the wider area. The planned opening this September of Scoil Oisín is to be postponed following a review of overall enrolment figures for the area which indicate that the new school will not now be required for the next school year. Scoil Oisín is one of three schools due to come under the patronage of County Dublin VEC as part of a new pilot patronage model, the details of which were announced in December 2007.

It is intended that the school will eventually serve the community around the new residential development on the site of the old Phoenix Park racecourse. A slower pace of development on that site has resulted in a reduction of projected demand for school places in the area this year. The parents of children who had sought places in Scoil Oisín this coming September have all been contacted and offered alternative places in nearby schools.

The two other schools under the new pilot patronage model, Scoil Choilm, Porterstown, Dublin 15, which opened last year under temporary arrangements, and a new school, Scoil Ghráinne, Phibblestown, Dublin 15, will both be accepting pupils this September having shown strong enrolment numbers for this September.