Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 235: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils presently attending a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; the numbers expected to enrol in the school in each of the next five years from the feeder gaelscoils; the numbers expected to complete their education in each of the same five years; and if the capacity of the school is sufficient for the next five years to meet these pupil numbers or will she agree that a secondary all Irish school is required in north Kildare. [31577/07]

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

The school to which the Deputy refers recently received a new school building with capacity for 600 pupils. In September 2007, the total enrolment in the school was 320 pupils. Its first year intake was 71 pupils.

Details of enrolments from individual feeder schools in 2007 are not yet available however, in 2006, 68 pupils from a total of 218 6th class pupils from 8 gaelscoileanna in Kildare, Meath and Co. Dublin enrolled in the school.

This represents 31% of the potential intake — consistent with this year's pattern.

While there are plans to increase capacity at 2 of the 8 gaelscoileanna feeding into this gaelcholáiste, an increase in the amount of 6th class pupils emerging from this development is not expected for at least six years.

Pre-enrolment lists at not held by the Department but, as matters stand, there are some 30 first year places available each year over and above the actual enrolment. This also means that over a six year cycle, enrolment in the school is likely to be in the region of c. 420 pupils, again leaving vacant capacity of some 180 pupil places.

Given the extent of current vacant capacity and the pattern of enrolments, my Department is satisfied that additional places are not required for the area at this time. It has agreed, however, to keep the situation under review.