Urgent delivery of new schools is demanded

A NORTHSIDE TD has called for the urgent delivery of new schools in his constituency.

After Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, set out plans to build 42 new schools, some of them on the Northside, Dublin Fingal TD Darragh O’Brien (FF) gave the announcement a cautious welcome.

Deputy O’Brien warned that the real test will be delivery.  

“The surge in population in the north county in recent years has exacerbated the chronic shortage of school places,” he said.

“Fingal is a particularly young population and combined with high birth rates, it can only be expected that the current lack of sufficient capacity in our schools will continue to worsen and come under significant pressure.”

New primary schools are planned for Swords South, Swords North and Donabate, and post primary schools are planned for Swords (1,000 pupils) and Malahide/Portmarnock (1,000 pupils). 

Deputy O’Brien said he is, of course, pleased to see any proposal to develop these schools.  

“I am however, concerned that this is simply another announcement,” he said. 

“Some of the school projects announced for our area were previously promised two years ago. 

“It is absolutely crucial that planning and design are undertaken immediately to allow construction start as soon as possible so that they can serve the future educational needs in the north county.

Dublin Fingal TD Brendan Ryan (Lab) also welcomed the announcement but argued that funding to fix existing schools is just as vital.

“We do need the Government to prioritise the fixing of existing schools and the provision of new buildings,” said Deputy Ryan.  

“St Molaga’s in Balbriggan is one such school which requires urgent work to be done. I also see schools such as Fingal Community College which is operating a wonderful school but in a very small space. 

“Hedgestown School in Lusk is also in need of new buildings. I recently called on the Minister to advance the construction of a new school building for the existing St Michael’s House School in Skerries. 

“These are just a sample of the existing projects in Fingal which need to be advanced as soon as possible.”

On the Northside, new schools are also planned for Donaghmede/Howth; Drumcondra/Marino; Killester/Raheny/Clontarf (all primary); and Belmayne/Clongriffin; Baldoyle/Stapolin; and Drumcondra/Marino (all post primary).  

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Bruton said: “Since 2011, we have created 122,000 new and replacement school places. 

“We are now creating more school places than at any other period in the history of the State. 

“In 2010, some 9,000 school places were created. In 2017, we 

built approximately 18,800.

“If we want to be the best in Europe, we need to make sure that we are planning for future need and providing state of the art facilities for future generations.”  

Minister Bruton added: “I am announcing these 26 new primary schools and 16 new post-primary schools which, together with large-scale projects such as school extensions and projects under the Additional Accommodation Scheme, will serve to meet education needs over the next four years across the country.”

Senator James Reilly (FG) also welcomed the news. 

“Fingal is a growing area in County Dublin and will continue to require investment in schools,” he said. 

“Rush, in particular, needs a new secondary school and I will continue to press for the purchase of a site for a new school for St Joseph’s Secondary School. 

“I will be meeting the Minister again soon to follow up on the Rush secondary school project.”