Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 182: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether, in view of the long waiting lists for primary schools in an area (details supplied) in County Dublin, a review of catchment areas is needed for primary schools in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15661/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am conscious of the extent of housing developments in the Lucan area and the pressure that this has created for school places. In light of this, the Department has expanded capacity significantly at both primary and post primary level to cater for existing and newly emerging demands for pupil places.

There are twelve primary schools in the Lucan area including two new state of the art multi-denominational schools and a new Gaelscoil which commenced operation in September 2005. These developments together with a number of extensions to existing schools, the provision of temporary accommodation and the re-organisation of one school to enable the enrolment of an additional two junior infant classes has increased capacity significantly in the area. In addition, Scoil Mhuire, Archbishop Ryan JNS, St Thomas NS and Scoil Áine were recently given approval to commence the architectural planning process for major extensions and design teams for these projects will be appointed shortly.

Through a combination of these measures, the Department is satisfied that, between them, the schools have adequate accommodation to cater for current demand. The Department monitors primary pre-enrolment lists in the area on an on-going basis to ensure adequate capacity and will provide extra accommodation if needed.

At post primary level, recent building projects have increased capacity to 3,000 pupil places. Current enrolment is 2,476 pupils. Therefore, capacity exceeds demand by over 500 places currently. A building project for Lucan Community College will further increase capacity by 200 pupil places. We will continue to monitor demand to ensure that there are sufficient places into the future.