Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Deputy for his comments. The Department is currently considering the long-term capacity requirements in Carrick-on-Shannon, taking into account existing demographic requirements as well as current and future residential developments in the area. It is important that school building projects take appropriate account of the longer-term needs of an area, as well as ensuring that the immediate school place requirements can be facilitated. Officials will continue to engage with the relevant patrons in this regard. The consideration of the accommodation requirements for St. Mary’s Primary School forms part of the planning and building unit’s overall assessment of its work programme and priorities for 2023.

The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for the Department and my officials are working to ensure there is sufficient provision in St. Mary’s Primary School for future years. According to projections I have, enrolment in Carrick-on-Shannon will be relatively stable. However, I note that St. Mary's Primary School has seen an 8% increase in enrolment over the past five years. For 2022, the enrolment was 495 and I expect that number to grow in the future. I thank the Deputy for his advocacy. There is no doubt but that the building officials in the Department are listening to the school and the Deputy and the representations they are making.

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