Three new Northside schools are set to open

THREE new schools will be opened across the Northside over the next two years, including one in the Pelletstown and Ashtown area this September, it was announced last week.

In total seven new schools are to be built across the country at a cost to the State of around

?¬24 million. It’s estimated the investment will support some 240 direct and 48 indirect jobs, as well as providing education for almost 3,000 pupils.

The Northside schools due to open in 2016 will be in Dublin 7 for children in Cabra and Phibsborough and in Dublin 1 for pupils in Drumcondra and Marino.

A patronage determination process for these two schools will be run later this year.

“the Pelletstown and Ashtown school opening in September will be run under the Educate Together model.

Tánaiste and Dublin West Labour TD, Joan Burton, welcomed news of the new school in her constituency.

“I am delighted that Dublin West is to benefit from the construction of an entirely new school,

? she said.

“The Pelletstown area has seen a huge growth in population, with many young families living in the area.

“The news is a massive boost to the community, and will be welcomed by local parents in particular.

“The school will be under Educate Together patronage.

“This comes on foot of a very open and transparent process, which seeks to put the preference and demands of parents front and centre in deciding what kind of ownership the school will have.

“Building new schools doesn’t just mean a new service for young families, it brings a boost to the construction sector, too, supporting employment and giving business to contractors in the industry.

Last week’s announcement brings to 27 the number of new primary schools brought forward since 2011.

“This is a good record by any measure, especially given the country’s difficult finances over the past few years,

? the Tánaiste said.

The news was also welcomed by Local TD and Minister for Health Leo Varadkar.

“I’m delighted for parents and families in the area that the Government has approved this new school,

? he said.

“Pelletstown and Ashtown have rapidly growing populations and this school will go a long way to meeting the growing demand.

?