As the Minister for Education launches another multi-million plan for investment in Education, parents right throughout Dublin 15 at both primary and secondary level will be wondering what 2007 holds for their child.
Despite there now being more than 6000 houses built and occupied in the Ongar Castaheany area, not a brick has been laid of the new second level school.
This site was reserved by the Council before building began, 10 years ago.
Deputy Burton said, “I am pleased to announce that Minister Mary Hanifin has advised me that the difficulties surrounding the acquisition of the Castaheany/Phibblestown site have now been cleared. (See PQ Reply No. 302 from the Minister below)
“I want the Minister as a Christmas present to the many anxious parents in the area to establish the school now and in particular to establish an interim board and appoint a school principal. Once these steps are taken, planning for the school can really commence.”
“If the Minister acts now, the school can begin some enrolments from next September.”
“When the Hartstown Community School and the Castleknock Educate Together were built when Labour was in government in the mid 1970’s, they were hosted on a temporary basis in other second level schools in the Dublin 15 area to get them started.”
“The Minister with all the money at her disposal can act now and get the ball moving but she must make clear the start of the school as soon as possible so that parents can plan appropriately.”
PQ Reply: Uimhir:302
Ceist Pharlaiminte
Chun an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíoctha
To the Minister for Education and Science
To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the
promised secondary level school in Castaheany; when it will open its doors to
students; if the site has been acquired; the cost or estimated cost and the
size of the site; the number of pupils the school will cater for; when
enrolments will commence; if a principal has been appointed; and when these
appointments will take place.
– Joan Burton.
* For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 6th December, 2006.
Reference Number: 41872/06
Freagra
Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)
The new post-primary school for Phibblestwon has taken longer than expected due
to difficulties in acquiring the site. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that
as part of my Department’s partnership with Fingal County Council the site
purchase can now be concluded. The site is almost 8.5 acres in size and the
legalities on the site purchase will be completed by County Dublin Vocational
Education Committee. Due to the commercial sensitivities, I do not intend to
comment on the agreed price at this time.
The completion of the site purchase enables progress to be made on the delivery
of the new school which will be as part of a design and build contract. It is
too early at this stage to give a precise timeframe on when the school will be
completed. However, a Principal Teacher will be appointed some months before
the school is due to open to ensure efficient planning and organisation can
take place, and a decision on the enrolling of students will be taken by the
school management authority at that stage.