Written answers

Thursday, 18 October 2012

Department of Education and Skills

Schools Building Projects

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the continued high demand for school places at second level in north County Dublin, and in particular in the Balbriggan, Donabate and Swords area, if there has been any change in the capacity in the relevant post primary schools (details supplied), from the previous school year 2011-2012 to the current 2012-2013 academic year, and in particular to their first year intake, to accommodate the current demand. [45497/12]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department has identified a number of areas in North County Dublin, including the areas referred to by the Deputy where, due to demographic changes, it is projected that there will be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years.

In 2009, recognition was granted for a new 1,000 pupil post primary school in Balbriggan. Phase I of this school's permanent building, catering for 350 pupils, was delivered in 2010 and phase II, catering for 650 pupils, is proceeding to construction shortly. Enrolments have increased from 66 pupils in 2009 to 408 pupils in 2012/13 with 121 first year pupils enrolled in September 2012. The school will have capacity for at least 180 first year pupils once phase II of the permanent building is delivered. In the interim, temporary accommodation was sanctioned for the school to meet the 2012/13 accommodation needs.

In the case of the two remaining post primary schools in Balbriggan listed by the Deputy, one has just had a major extension completed to cater for existing enrolment (approx 1,185) and the other has been included in the 5 year Capital Investment Programme to commence construction in 2014/15 that will expand the schools capacity to 1,000 pupils.

In addition, the Deputy may also be aware that one of the new post primary schools that I announced in June 2011 to be established nationally will be provided in Balbriggan in 2014. In July 2012 I announced further post primary schools to be established including an English medium school in Balbriggan post 2015.

In 2008, recognition was granted to a new Community College in Donabate that resulted in a new 1,000 pupil school building being completed for the 2011/12 academic year. Enrolments in the school have increased from 100 pupils in 2008 to 586 pupils in 2012/13 with 143 first year pupils enrolled in September 2012. The school has capacity for at least 180 first year pupils.

With regard to post primary provision in Swords, there are over 2,400 post primary places provided in the four schools listed by the Deputy. An extension to one of those schools to provide an additional 400 places for the area was announced earlier this year as part of the 5 year Capital Investment Programme.

In relation to the school in Rush, my Department approved funding earlier this year to relocate and refurbish temporary accommodation to meet the schools 2012/13 accommodation needs. A new 1,000 pupil post primary school to be located in Lusk was announced earlier this year and is due to commence operation in 2013.

As the Deputy will be aware, my priority is to ensure that there is sufficient school accommodation to meet projected pupil enrolment increases into the future. The 5 year Capital Investment Programme that I announced earlier this year was part of a €2 billion Capital Investment Programme which outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Programme. In addition, my Department will consider applications by schools for funding for additional classrooms, which schools may provide on a permanent basis, where an immediate enrolment need is arising.

The current status of all projects on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.