The Government is fully committed to renewing and significantly expanding the apprenticeship system in Ireland - that was my message to the gathering today at ESB Networks Training Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise where the ESB announced plans to recruit 300 new apprentices in the coming years.
I warmly welcome the recent allocation of €150,000 in Government grants to sustainable transport projects in Dublin South. €100,000 of this money will go towards the design of a primary cycle route from Hillcrest Road in Sandyford along the Drummartin/Clonskeagh Route to Dublin City, including connections to and through UCD Belfield. Meanwhile, a further €50,000 will be spent on the completion of the design for improved pedestrian access into Dundrum Town Centre from Balally LUAS stop. This will include improvements to Dundrum Road, and connections to Wychkam Way.
This week, I voiced my concerns about claims by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council that the age profile of the Stillorgan area could present challenges for the future sustainability of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool.
The Minister for Education and Skills, today announced that a new primary school for the Goatstown/Stillorgan area is to be established by September 2016.
The Minister for Education and Skills, today announced that a new primary school for the Goatstown/Stillorgan area is to be established by September 2016.
This development recognises the increasing demographic pressure on the existing infrastructure in Goatstown/Stillorgan and demonstrates this Government’s delivery on its commitment to prioritise new schools and to invest in our children’s education.
This is the sixth major educational investment in Dublin South since our Government took office in 2011.
Patrons can apply to run the new school. The criteria to be used in deciding on patronage of the new school will place an emphasis on parental demand for plurality and diversity. The process will be carried out later this year.
This approach emphasises this Government’s commitment to moving towards a more pluralist system of patronage at primary level.
I was happy to note this week that following on from Leopardstown-based ICON plc’s jobs development, confirmed last Friday, nearly 1,000 jobs have now been announced for the Dublin South constituency in the past four months alone
Minister Alex White, Labour TD for Dublin South, this week noted that nearly 1,000 jobs have now been announced for the Dublin South constituency in the past four months.
