Fine Gael Kildare South TD Martin Heydon has said that he shares the disappointment that the latest school building list published by the Department of Education does not include a new post primary school for Kildare South.

Martin Heydon said “This week in the Dail, I had the opportunity to raise the issue of the new building for St. Paul’s secondary school in Monasterevin and the wider issue of secondary school places in Kildare South with Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD. I am very disappointed that the latest school building list published by the Department of Education does not include a new post primary school for Kildare South.

“I have worked with the South Kildare Educate Together (SKET) group since their formation in September 2014 as they fought for a new Educate Together Secondary School for the South Kildare.  In that time meetings and discussions were held with 2 Taoisigh, 2 Ministers for Education and Department officials making the case for increased provision in Kildare South.

“I will continue to fight for a new school and I also want to ensure that new school for St Paul’s in Monasterevin and the extensions for St Conleth’s Community College, CPC Kilcullen, Athy Community College, and Patrician Secondary School are delivered as soon as possible.

“I recognise the need for choice in securing school places, particularly at secondary level and I will continue to work with SKET to seek those additional places.”

Last week’s announcement follows a nationwide, demographic exercise carried out by the Department of Education and Skills into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the Country.  In making the announcement, Minister Richard Bruton said that the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular would have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

Speaking on Kfm on Friday 20th of April, Deputy Heydon said “I will continue to make the case for a new secondary school in Kildare South and as new housing developments are completed I will be stressing this case to the Minister. I will also push for the new places that are in the pipeline through extensions are built as soon as possible.”