Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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114. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a new school building application (details supplied). [26818/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that 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 and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.

As the Deputy may be aware, at a national level including the Athlone school planning area, primary enrolments are decreasing and this downward trend is projected to continue over the coming decade, from a national peak in 2018. While there will be local and regional variations, and the impact of Ukrainian arrivals will mitigate this reduction somewhat, there will be strategic opportunities to consider the overall accommodation needs of schools.

I can confirm to the Deputy that my officials shall continue to monitor the long term accommodation needs of the school referred to by the Deputy and the wider school planning area. My Department has been approved interim accommodation to the school in question to facilitate their recently appointed additional teacher.

My Department will continue to work to ensure that capital investment in our schools is targeted in the most efficient and effective way to support schools in meeting the education needs of their students and communities.