Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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283. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students on the waiting list for a secondary school place in secondary schools in Bandon, County Cork for the 2021-2022 school year; and the steps she is taking as a result. [39505/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is aware of increasing enrolments in Bandon and has planned capital projects to provide the required accommodation. It is intended that demand in Bandon will be addressed by increasing capacity at St Brogans College to a Long Term Projected Enrolment of 1,000 pupils. In this regard, capital funding has been approved and the project has been devolved to the school authority (CETB) for delivery. There is also a project for Hamilton High school included on the Capital programme which is currently under consideration. Department officials are in communication with the school authority of Coláiste na Toirbhirte with a view to increasing capacity in order to meet projected demand.

Further to this, and similar to the process adopted for September 2020 readiness, my Department will be engaging further with patron bodies shortly in advance of identifying specific September 2021 capacity pressure points priorities which will necessitate specific action.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not hold records of students on school waiting lists.