text: I welcome the announcement by the Department of Education that an Agreement in Principle has been reached to acquire a site for a new school building for Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School. Approximately 6.355 acres at the Ballyogan Road in Leopardstown will be acquired from current landowner, Horse Racing Ireland, for the new building.
  This is a very welcome step forward for the school and the local community, and demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to the provision of new schools and facilities in growing areas like Stepaside, in Dublin Rathdown.
  The Department has agreed with Horse Racing Ireland to acquire approximately 6.355 acres at the Ballyogan Road in Leopardstown. The acquisition is currently progressing through conveyancing stage and is still subject to planning permission.
  Funding for education was increased by 7%, to €10.8 billion in Budget 2019. This is the highest education budget in a decade.