Deputy Joan Burton has welcomed the news that a new post primary school for Luttrellstown in Dublin 15. Deputy Burton’s comments were made following the announcement from the Minister of Education and Science Batt O’ Keefe, TD, who announced details of a new post primary school which will be established in September 2009 in Dublin 15. County Dublin VEC is to be the patron of the new school which will be named Luttrelstown Community College.

Commenting on the announcement, Deputy Burton said that “Families who were recently refused places for their children in existing post primary schools will take much relief from this announcement.

“The need for this school has been evident for quite a number of years. It is a pity that parents have had to wait so long, and campaign so hard, to have access to such a basic amenity as a secondary school for their children.

“It has not been made clear whether the school will open at its final site or whether it will open first in temporary accommodation. It is understood that the Department of Education and Dublin VEC are engaged in negotiations to acquire a site, presumed to be in the Kellystown area. This must be clarified, and building must begin, as a matter of urgency.

Announcing the details of the new post primary school the Minister said the new “Lutrellstown Community College is being provided to cater for the increased enrolments in rapidly developing area of Dublin 15. The project will deliver on a phased basis, will provide a further 1000 post primary places in Dublin 15.”

“The Department of Education and Science is working closely with County Dublin VEC to ensure that appropriate accommodation is available to allow the Luttrellstown Community College to commence operations in 2009.”

“The Department is satisfied that the approach which it is now taking to the identification and delivery of extra school places in rapidly developing areas will help to ensure that those places will be provided when and where they are needed”.