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

I thank the Seanadóir for raising this issue. The requirement for additional school places is kept under ongoing review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity. In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, the Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system, using data from a range of sources, including child benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through: utilising existing unused capacity within a school; extending the capacity of schools; or the provision of new schools.

The most recent projections for the Dublin 8 school planning area indicate an increase in requirements at primary level up to 2026 and decreasing thereafter. At post-primary level, the recent projections indicate a slight increase in requirements at post-primary level up to 2031 followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter.

A new co-educational, multi-denominational post-primary school under the patronage of Educate Together was established to serve the Dublin 8 school planning area, along with Dublin 2, Dublin 4, Dublin 6 and Clonskeagh areas, as a regional solution. In 2018, the school opened in interim accommodation and the major project, which will provide for a 1,000 pupil school when complete, is currently at stage 3. This new school will reduce pressure on schools in the Dublin 8 school planning area.

The Department will continue to liaise with local authorities in respect of their county development plans and any associated local area plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas, including in Dublin 8.

Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on the Department's website and the information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 may also be viewed.