Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Senator that the Department is in discussions with the patrons and stakeholders of the schools in the area with regard to the immediate need for 2023-24, which the Senator has identified, but also for future needs. The Department is progressing additional solutions for Newbridge and Kildare, including the relocation of Curragh Community College to Kildare town, which will provide significant additional capacity. The Department is aware of enrolment pressures for 2023-24 and will continue to liaise with patrons and local representatives in this regard. I will pass on the Senator's concerns to the Ministers. As I said, there can be multiple reasons for enrolment pressures but the Department is working to establish whether there is a requirement for additional provision in the area. It will ensure that any required accommodation solution is put in place as well as continuing to advance the major and additional school accommodation projects that I previously outlined. The priority for the Department is to ensure that there are places available for every student in the next school year. It will continue to engage in this regard.