Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

619. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide for the immediate provision of additional post-primary schools in the Dublin 8 planning zone given that figures supplied by her own Department show that in 2021 the total primary enrolment was 3,421 students, while the secondary enrolment was 1,022 students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55534/22]

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

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.

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 compared with 2021. 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.

In the latest published primary and post-primary schools' enrolments national projections (www.gov.ie/en/collection/projections/), the CSO population projections (based on 2016 Census data) were used. In order to derive future schools' enrolments, the new CSO population projections (based on 2022 Census results) are needed. The new population projections are not compiled yet. As soon as CSO population projections are available, the Department will update the schools’ enrolment projections model in order to reflect the recent population trends.

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.

The most recent projections for Dublin 8. School Planning Area indicate a slight increase in requirements at post primary level up to 2031 followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter.

The 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 in Dublin 8.

There is one post-primary, capital project, planned in the Dublin 8. school planning area and when completed, will cater for the demand for school places in the area:

Mercy Secondary School (Roll No: 60872A) – Brief: 4 general classrooms and a science laboratory.