Keane calls on Council to clarify plans for Firhouse Schools’ Site

Senator Cáit Keane, Fine Gael’s candidate in the Dublin South West bye-election, is today (Tuesday) calling on South Dublin County Council to elaborate on plans to dispose of land at a site opposite The Old Mill pub, in Old Bawn, Tallaght, to the Department of Education.

The site, if agreed by local Councillors, would provide for one new school. The provision of a school at this busy junction would be subject to normal planning permission procedure.

“This issue was on the Council agenda last year but the land disposal did not take place at that time, due to considerable local concerns about the proposed site,” Senator Keane explained. “That site, which was adjacent to Firhouse Community Centre, was considered totally unsuitable. It is the only open space in the area, which is already extensively used by the football club and other local sports’ clubs. I have asked South Dublin County Council to take this site off the disposal agenda permanently,” she stated.

“The two new schools which opened in 2013, Firhouse Educate Together and Gaelscoil Na Guise, deserve proper sites and accommodation for staff and pupils,” Senator Keane continued.

“I have been working to see a new school site sourced and finalised for these schools for a long period of time and have raised the matter on behalf of concerned parents in the Seanad numerous times with the Minister for Education.

“I welcome the fact that this issue is back on the Council’s agenda, but it is vital that adequate consultation takes place, and this consultation should involve the local community and other stakeholders, to ensure the correct sites are chosen.

“While there is a great need to finalise a permanent location in Firhouse for these two schools, it is imperative that the most suitable site is chosen, for pupils, their families, and the communities they serve,” Senator Keane concluded.