Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 23: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the patronage for new second level schools in Dundalk and Drogheda, County Louth [2967/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In June of last year I announced that 20 new second level schools would be established up to 2017 to meet increasing demographics. These included new second level schools in both Dundalk and Drogheda, each with an indicative opening in 2014.

Applications for patronage of the new second level schools to be established in 2013 and 2014 have been sought by my Department from prospective patrons and the closing date for receipt of applications is 24th February 2012. My Department asked prospective patrons to register expressions of interest by Friday last, 13th January, of the areas where they intended making formal applications for patronage of the new schools. Expressions of interest were received from Co. Louth VEC in relation to patronage of the new school in Dundalk and from the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, Educate Together and Co. Louth VEC in respect of patronage of the new school in Drogheda. It remains open to patrons to apply even if they have not made an expression of interest.