Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

228. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she accepts the urgent need for a new school (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; if she recognises the right of these parents to establish an Educate Together school to reflect their ethos; the steps she is taking to identify a location or premises for this school; if she will approve the opening of this new school in either temporary or permanent premises in September 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1817/16]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department completed demographic analyses at primary and post-primary level late last year, 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 2015 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 areas of Dublin 2, 4 and 6.

In addition, the new primary school to serve the Goatstown/Stillorgan area, which I announced in February 2015 and which will open in September 2016, will provide additional capacity.

Both of these areas are adjacent to the area referred to by the Deputy.

I also stated as part of my November 2015 announcement, that my Department will keep the demographic data for a number of areas nationwide under ongoing review, including Terenure, taking into account updated enrolment data and the impact of ongoing and planned expansion of capacity in this, and adjacent, feeder areas.

My Department is also engaged with existing school patrons regarding the possibility of school divestment, which may impact on the Dublin 6W area.

The patronage determination process for new schools is a separate process, which is run after it is decided that, based on the demographic data, a new school is required. Parental preferences are central to this process and prospective patrons are required to provide evidence of demand for their particular type of school. It is open to all patrons, patron bodies and prospective patrons, including Educate Together, to apply for patronage of a new school under this process.