Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am responding to this matter on behalf the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn. I thank the Senator for raising the matter as it provides the opportunity to clarify to this House the future use of the school building which is currently used to accommodate the newly established post-primary school in Gorey, pending the provision of permanent accommodation for that school.

The Senator will be aware of the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years. Total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by almost 70,000 by 2018, with more than 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post-primary. It will continue to grow up to at least 2024 at post-primary level. It is vital therefore that there is sufficient school accommodation to cope with these pupil enrolments.

To meet the needs of our growing population of school-going children, the Department of Education and Skills must establish new schools as well as extending or replacing a number of existing schools in areas where demographic growth has been identified. The delivery of these new schools, together with extension projects to meet future demand, will be the main focus of the Department's budget for the coming years.

The new permanent post-primary school building for Gorey is under construction. Owing to the immediate demand for additional post-primary school places in Gorey, it was necessary to establish the new school in a temporary location pending the construction of the permanent building. The new school concerned, now Creagh College, opened in September 2011. The design of the building lends itself to conversion to a permanent primary school in future if required.

The most recent projections produced by the Department of Education and Skills in respect of the Gorey area forecast an increase in the projected demand at primary level in the coming years. The future use of the Creagh building will, therefore, meet the co-educational pupil demand identified.

In June of this year, following a request by the school management, the Minister, Deputy Quinn, together with Department officials, met a delegation from St. Joseph's national school. The delegation sought to relocate St. Joseph's to the Creagh building when it is vacated. The Deputy will be aware that St. Joseph's is a senior boys' school catering for children from second to sixth class. The neighbouring Loreto convent school, which caters for boys and girls up to first class, acts as its main feeder school. The Department advised the delegation of the co-educational demand that must be met and that the proposal from the school must be considered in this context.

The delegation undertook to consider the Department's position in conjunction with stakeholders and the patron, whereby the premises could potentially address the school's accommodation needs as well as the demographic needs of the area. A formal response from the school authorities is awaited.

I thank the Senator for allowing the Minister for Education and Skills the opportunity to outline the position. I was pleased to take this Adjournment matter on the Minister's behalf.