Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has welcomed the announcement that two new schools are to be built in Grange/Douglas and Carrigaline. The two new schools will be part of six new schools built in Cork and forty which will be built nationally.
Deputy Buttimer confirmed that “the forty new schools will be built over the coming six years are in response to a forecasted increase of over 45,050 primary pupils and 24,900 post-primary pupils by the start of the 2017/18”.
Deputy Buttimer said “the population of south Cork, in particular the Douglas and Carrigaline areas, has grown rapidly over the last decade. A lot of young families have moved in to the area and the infrastructure has not been put in place to address their needs. These new schools represent an investment in these communities. They will enable children to go to their local school and it will make a positive impact on the lives of local families.
“The new schools represent a capital investment of €380 million, they will generally be sixteen-classroom primary schools and up to 1,000-student post-primary schools.
“The patronage of the schools will be tailored to the needs of the local community. The Minister has also established a New Schools Establishment Group which will advise on the patronage of the new schools. The new arrangements will provide that patron bodies will be asked to provide evidence of demand and parental preferences will be at the centre of considerations about the type of school to be recognised.”