Fine Gael Kildare South TD, Martin Heydon, has today described the meeting between Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan, Deputy Heydon and his Kildare South Oireachtas colleagues Jack Wall and Sean O’Fearghail as constructive.

“We had a good discussion where we highlighted to the Minister the significant pressures that we as public representatives are seeing every day from parents struggling to find second level places of their choice for their children in South Kildare.

“We queried the demographic review process and were told it is being finalised with an announcement of the school building programme due in the coming weeks.

“I specifically identified the pressures for secondary school places in Newbridge and Athy and explained the change to the enrolment policy at CPC, Kilcullen. We discussed the campaign for a new school, of which the Minister was aware and how any shortfall in spaces could be addressed in the area. The Minister undertook to meet with the campaign group in the near future.

“In terms of any potential new school the Minister was clear that decisions regarding patronage for a new school are made through the open patronage process after any decision had been made on the need for a new school. This process would be open to all potential patrons to apply.

“There was a lengthy discussion around the provision of second level ASD units in South Kildare with the Minister agreeing that the shortage was an issue of urgency.

“I am satisfied that the Minister very much took on board the points that we raised as to the need for increased provision for second level places in Kildare South.

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