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 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.

The 2022 demographic exercise indicates that 85% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level show static or decreasing enrolments for the period to 2026. At post-primary level some 74% of school planning areas are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2029, with most expected to reach a peak within the next two or three years.

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, be provided through:

- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,- Provision of a new school or schools.

Castletroy is located in the Limerick City School Planning Area (SPA) and the most recent demographic projections for this SPA indicates a decrease in requirements at primary level.

My Department will continue to liaise with Local Authorities in respect of their County Development Plans and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas including Limerick City SPA.

A number of major building projects are currently underway in the area of Castletroy including:

- a new 32 classroom primary school building for Monaleen National School is currently at Stage 2B, detailed design.

- Extension/refurbishment at Gaelscoil Sheoirse is currently at stage 3, tender stage, to provide for an 8-classroom school.

- A major refurbishment project for St. Mary's National School is currently at stage 2A, developed sketch scheme.

A number of Additional School Accommodation projects in Limerick city are currently underway and these will deliver further capacity. These projects have been devolved directly to schools for delivery. Details of the projects can be viewed on my Department's website at www.gov.ie

I wish to advise the Deputy that requirements for additional school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity.