Phone: 01 6183057 or 045 880980 | Mobile: 087 288 1000 | Email: aine.brady@oireachtas.ie
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.