Mitchell welcomes news of two new primary schools for Dublin South this September

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Olivia Mitchell has welcomed the commitment today from Minister Quinn that the two new primary schools, in Ballinteer and Stepaside, will open this September.

“I am delighted by today’s announcement that the two new schools, under the patronage of Educate Together, in Ballinteer and Stepaside will be opened by September 2012.

“Nationally, an increase of 45,050 primary pupils is forecast by 2017 and Ballinteer and Stepaside were rightly identified as priority areas for new primary school places. This demand is being reflected in our area with a phenomenal number of baptisms reported each year.

“I want to congratulate Educate Together in securing the patronage of the two new primary schools. At a meeting in 2010 to gauge parental interest some 180 families turned out to sign up at a pre-enrolment session in Ballinteer.

“The process of identification of locations, either on green field sites or in existing premises, is already underway. It is important that these sites are located within the catchment area that the schools are designed to serve. And I will be working with the Department to ensure that such sites are identified in time to ensure a September opening.”