Kildare South TD Martin Heydon has again raised the need for a new secondary school in Kildare South in a meeting with Education Minister Richard Bruton last week.

“On his visit to Kildare last June the Minister confirmed that the need for new secondary school places in Kildare South was again under review.

“The Department have advised today that the outcome of that review will be finalised and made available in October as the review will take account of September 2018 enrolments in the relevant areas.

“We remain one of the fastest growing population areas in the Country per the last census and this growth will ensure demand for places in secondary schools will continue to increase in the coming years.

“I understand the Department of Education are considering a number of options to deal with this increased growth but I emphasised to the Minister that a new school building in the Newbridge Kildare area is still the preferred option for parents in Kildare South. I would hope that this review will be fully completed by the end of October.

“After 4 years of campaigning, the Department have still not accepted the need for a full stand alone new school to meet this increased demand.

“Another option that I raised in the past has been a new school build for the Curragh Post Primary School.

“Discussions about a possible partnership model are ongoing between Educate Together and St. Conleth’s Secondary School in Newbridge. I have previously stated that a partnership between Educate Together and the KWETB at the Curragh would be a much better fit.