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January 5200 – New housing developments will now cater for necessary school places - Brady
New laws will help to ensure that new housing developments will have to include provision of schools in their plans according to Kildare North Fianna Fail T.D. Áine Brady.
"In Kildare we have see the effects of massive building of new homes without the provision of school places for young families."
"The Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe and Housing Minister Michael Finneran have just published the Code of Practice on the Provision of Schools and the Planning System."
"The Code of Practice was agreed between the Department of the Environment and the Department of Education in conjunction with the County Manager's Association."
"As per the Practice, roles, responsibilities and actions to be taken have been agreed and the future demand for school places and planning for schools will be forecast through the development plan, local area plan and development management processes."
"This will mean that from now on school places will be developed in parallel with demand, reflecting new housing developments and growing urban areas."
"Schools will now be an integral part of urban development and the development of sustainable communities."
"Planning authorities will now co-operation and co-ordinate with the Department of Education in ensuring the delivery of necessary schools."
"The population continues to grow, particularly in commuter belt areas like north Kildare and it is vital that the facilities and services match the growth of the population."
"This Code of Practice is the first step in enhancing proactive interaction between the Departments and the local authorities to ensure the best outcome for those living in new housing developments or growing areas."
"The provision of school places can be a cause of huge concern for young families. Building schools helps to build communities and I am encouraged by this new Code of Practice and look forward to seeing it being implemented," concluded Deputy Brady.