Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the need for additional primary school places in the Donaghmede area, Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26002/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Defined school planning areas facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs.  My Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places will arise.  The GIS uses data from the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Department of Social Protection, in addition to my Department’s own databases.  With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic analysis at primary and post-primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed.

The latest demographic analysis did not indicate the requirement for additional primary school accommodation in the Donaghmede_Howth_D13 school planning area.  A review of existing primary capacity in the area indicates that existing schools can between them cater for all children seeking a school place.   My Department is not aware of any issues regarding capacity in the area as no applications for additional accommodation have been received from the schools serving the area.

However, my Department is aware of proposed future residential development in the area.  A range of areas nationwide are experiencing increased demographic pressure and these areas, including the Donaghmede_Howth_D13 area, will be kept under ongoing review.