Written answers

Tuesday, 15 May 2012

Department of Education and Skills

Schools Building Projects

8:00 pm

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the community of Knocknacarra, County Galway, are in the main supportive of upgrading and providing an extension for a local school (details supplied) rather than resources being directed at establishing a new school. [24342/12]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The basis for the decision to open a new school in Knocknacarra was made following a detailed study of the available demographic data for this area. I am aware that my officials had a meeting with a deputation of principals from Galway City West Schools on 29th March, 2012 to discuss the local principals' concerns regarding the need for a new school in the Knocknacarra area. The issues raised by the principals at that meeting are being considered further.

For purposes of the Five Year School Building Plan announced recently, new school building projects as well as major extensions have been identified and prioritised on the basis of meeting demographic needs in areas where such needs have been identified. In that regard, the current status of projects already in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, was also considered. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to progress this project to tender and construction stage at this time.

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