Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. Where demographic data indicates that additional school places are required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through a variety of different circumstances. This could include utilising existing unused capacity, which I know, as the Deputy said, is not an easy thing to do in east Cork because such capacity may not be available. Another option might be extending the capacity of a school or schools, or, as the Deputy has requested, the provision of a new school or schools.

If additional accommodation is required, the aim is to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools. This is the preference in this regard. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post-primary schools, new post-primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600 to 1,000 students. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to Gaelcholáistí, having regard to the alternative of establishing an Irish-medium aonad in an English-medium school.

Given the level of existing and planned provision, the Department is satisfied that the provision of a new school entity at post-primary level in the east Cork area is not required at this time. We will, however, keep it under review. I will specifically refer, going forward, to the plan the Deputy mentioned.

See this speech in context