Written answers

Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Department of Education and Skills

School Enrolments

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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514. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has reviewed the adequacy of places in south Dublin city, particularly in Dublin 4, 6 and 14, for junior infants for the 2016-2017 school year, if she is aware of the large waiting lists in the schools in these areas for children living in the various school catchments, the steps she will take to address this impending crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43932/15]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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My Department has recently completed demographic analyses at primary and post-primary level, using the Department's Geographical Information System, to identify the areas under increased demographic pressure nationwide. The system uses data from the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and local authorities, in addition to information from the Department's own databases.The outcome of these demographic analyses was that on 17 November last I announced the establishment of 4 new primary schools and 9 new post-primary schools to open in 2017 and 2018, including a new primary school which will open in September 2018 to serve the Dublin South City Centre area.

In addition, the new primary school to serve the Goatstown Stillorgan area, which I announced in February this year and which will open in September 2016, will provide additional capacity.

As part of my Department's School Capital Investment Programme, a number of building projects in the areas referred to by the Deputy are being progressed, including St Mary's and St Brigid's Primary School, Haddington Road, St Mary's National School, Donnybrook and Shellybanks Educate Together National School, which will also provide for increased capacity in the area.

My Department will keep the demographic data for the area under ongoing review, taking into account updated enrolment data and the impact of ongoing and planned expansion of capacity.

It is open to a school, should additional teaching posts be allocated, to apply to my Department for additional accommodation to meet any immediate accommodation needs.

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