Housing scheme developers ‘should provide schools’

COUNCILS are avoiding their responsibilities by not requiring developers of large housing schemes to provide sites for schools, Education Minister Mary Hanafin said yesterday.

She has already raised the issue with Environment Minister Dick Roche with a view to addressing the problem which has led to families in new suburbs and estates having difficulty accessing local schools.

Both ministers’ officials are working on a report which could recommend new planning guidelines or regulations on the issue of educational provision.