Mitchell welcomes confirmation of new school building for Stepaside Educate Together

Olivia Mitchell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin South, welcomes confirmation that a permanent school building for Stepaside Educate Together national school has finally been acquired.

Speaking during a Dáil topical issue debate, Deputy Mitchell raised the absence of permanent sites for four schools that are planned for Dublin South.

“Stepaside Educate Together national school is currently located in its second temporary location in the constituency since it was opened in 2011. Confirmation by the Minister for Education that a permanent site has finally been acquired is great news for the school’s pupils and staff and will meet the needs of the many young families in the area.  Management will be informed shortly about the location of the school’s new site.

“The lack of information around the location of the Educate Together post-primary school due to open in September 2016 is also causing huge confusion and distress to parents.  I have asked the Minister to ensure there is a sense of urgency about acquiring a site and making an announcement in that regard so families can plan now where their children will go to school for the next six years.”

Deputy Mitchell also raised the ongoing problem of acquiring scarce land at a reasonable price for future school needs in the area. “I believe educational infrastructure is at least as important as roads infrastructure and I ask the Minister to consider the introduction of legislation which would allow for compulsory purchase orders in respect of land for schools.”