Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

436. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being taken to ensure the education system can meet demand in Swords, County Dublin with regard to its growing population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46038/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity, to identify where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.

The most recent projections for the Swords school planning areas indicate stable enrolments at primary and moderate increases at post primary level. My Department is currently working to examine the capacity of the schools in the area to meet this projected demand.

A number of capital projects have been recently completed or are currently planned or underway in the Swords area, including expansions at Holywell ETNS, St. Colmcille’s and Holy Family NS. New school buildings are to be delivered for Rivervalley CNS and Broadmeadow CNS which were established in recent years. Furthermore, at post primary level, additional accommodation plans are being considered for St. Finian’s Community College and Loreto College, Swords. A project for Swords Community College is on site and nearing completion.

The additional capacity being provided by all of these projects is being considered in the context of the projected future requirements in the area.

School place requirements nationally, including Swords, will continue to be kept under on-going review and in particular will have regard to the impact of the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.