Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

182. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date in providing a school (details supplied) in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50266/17]

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

As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. My Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. The GIS uses data from a range of sources, including the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and my Department's own databases. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed. It is anticipated that these exercises will be concluded shortly.

A range of areas nationwide are experiencing increased demographic pressure and will be kept under review by my Department. Galway City is one of these areas. This review takes account of updated enrolment and child benefit data and also the impact of existing and planned capacity increases to existing schools in the area. Notwithstanding that the Galway City area, including environs, is an area defined as a demographic growth area, it is also an area where certain schools are experiencing a decline in pupil numbers.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:

- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

- Provision of a new school or schools.

With regard to demand for particular models of school provision, it should be noted that the patronage process for new schools is a separate process. This process is run after it has been decided that 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 school model and medium of instruction. These expressions of interest are required to be from parents of primary school children eligible for enrolment in the first five years of the establishment of a proposed new post-primary school. The process is fair, transparent and open to all patrons, patron bodies and prospective patrons to apply for patronage of any planned new school under this process.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

183. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of additional school accommodation for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50281/17]

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

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question has been approved funding under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme to provide 1 SET classroom. The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.