Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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226. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which she and her Department continue to assess the educational requirements in Maynooth, County Kildare with particular reference to primary and second level schools and accommodation and An Gaelcholáiste; if any particular trends have been noted with a view to addressing these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58664/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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 that 85% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level show static or decreasing enrolments for the period to 2026 compared with 2021 (i.e., SPAs which have passed peak or have growth of less than 20 pupils out to 2026). At post-primary level some 74% of school planning areas at post-primary level 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.

Major new residential developments in a school planning area have the potential to alter demand in that area. In that regard, as part of the annual demographic exercises, my Department engages with each of the local authorities to obtain the up-to-date information on significant new residential development in each area. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes.

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 the Maynooth School Planning Area indicate a slight increase in requirements at both primary and post primary level in the short term followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter.

The requirement for additional school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity. Additionally, 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 these school planning areas.

There are a number of capital projects planned in the Maynooth school planning area and when completed, will cater for the demand for school places in the area as follows:

Presentation Girls Primary School (Roll Number 00779U) Brief; 4 classrooms, 3 Special Education Teaching rooms, reconfiguration to provide Early Intervention Unit . Stage 1 (Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authorities, will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief).

Maynooth BNS (Roll Number 17341U) Brief; 24 Classroom School + 2 Special Education Needs base at Stage 4 (Stage 4 is the signing of the letter of acceptance to the successful contractor and commencement on site).

Gaelscoil Ruairí (Roll Number 20527F) Brief;8 Classroom school + 2 classroom Special Education Needs Base. Stage 2B (Stage 2B is the Developed Design & Lodgement of Planning Permission).

Gael Coláiste Mhaigh Nuad (Roll Number 76554W) Brief;350 pupil school + 2 Classroom Special Education Needs Base- Project Brief Stage (Project Brief stage - this includes determining the project brief and schedule of accommodation).

Recently completed capital projects:

Maynooth Community College (Roll Number 76193Q) Brief; 1000 pupil school + 2 Classroom Special Education Needs Base. Stage 5 - December 2020 (Stage 5 is final handover of the school building to the Patron/Board of Management).

Maynooth Post Primary School (Roll Number 70700A) Brief; - 1,000 pupil school +2 Classroom Special Education Needs Base. Stage 5 - December 2020 (Stage 5 is final handover of the school building to the Patron/Board of Management).

Maynooth ETNS (Roll Number 20292E) Brief; 16 Classroom School + Special Education Needs Class. Stage 5 - May 2021 (Stage 5 is final handover of the school building to the Patron/Board of Management).

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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227. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which she and her Department continue to assess the educational needs at primary and second level in Naas, County Kildare with particular reference to the completion of promised or existing projects arising from the demographics in the area; if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of school accommodation in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58665/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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.

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 the Naas School Planning Area indicate an increase in requirements at both primary and post primary level in the short term followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter.

The Department will continue to liaise with the Local Authority in Kildare in respect of its County Development Plan and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas including in Naas.

There are six capital projects planned in the Naas school planning area and when completed, will cater for the demand for school places in the area:

Mercy Convent Primary School (Roll Number 15040T) Brief: 32 Classroom School. Stage 4 (Stage 4 is the signing of the letter of acceptance to the successful contractor and commencement on site).

Scoil Chorbain (Roll Number 17254C) Brief: Extension to provide 16 classroom school with 2 Special Educational Needs Base. Stage 2b (Stage 2B is the Developed Design & lodgement of Planning Permission).

Coláiste Naomh Mhuire (Roll Number 61730I) Brief:Extension to increase capacity to LTPE 900. Stage 2b (Stage 2B is the Developed Design & lodgement of Planning Permission).

SN Mhuire (Roll Number 18055B) – Brief: 2 x Special Education Needs Base. Stage 1(Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authorities, will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief).

An Linbh Iosa Roll Number 19597T – Brief:2 x Mainstream Classroom, 2 Special Education Needs Base, 1 x Special Education Teacher space. Stage 1 (Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authorities, will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief).

Recently completed capital project:

Naas Community College(Roll Number 76194S) Brief: 1,000 pupil school plus 2 Special Education Needs Base. Stage 5 - February 2022 (Stage 5 is final handover of the school building to the Patron/Board of Management).

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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228. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which she and her Department continue to assess the educational needs at primary and second level in Kilcock, County Kildare with particular reference to the completion of promised or existing projects arising from the demographics in the area; if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of school accommodation in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58666/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Kilcock. Please see attached table showing details on all building projects ongoing in Kilcock. The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages. My Department will continue to review all School Planning Areas with regard to any demographic changes that may result in the need for further additional school accommodation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which she and her Department continue to assess the educational needs at primary and second level in Clane, County Kildare, with particular reference to the completion of promised or existing projects arising from the demographics in the area; if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of school accommodation in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58667/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Clane. Please see attached table showing details on all building projects ongoing in Clane. The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis onwww.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages. My Department will continue to review all School Planning Areas with regard to any demographic changes that may result in the need for further additional school accommodation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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230. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which she and her Department continue to assess the educational needs at primary and second level in Prosperous, County Kildare, with particular reference to the completion of promised or existing projects arising from the demographics in the area; if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of school accommodation in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58668/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Prosperous. Please see attached table showing details on all building projects ongoing in Prosperous. The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages. My Department will continue to review all School Planning Areas with regard to any demographic changes that may result in the need for further additional school accommodation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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231. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which she and her Department continue to assess the educational needs at primary and second level in Sallins, County Kildare, with particular reference to the completion of promised or existing projects arising from the demographics in the area; if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of school accommodation in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58669/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

With regard to the Sallins School Planning Area - there are currently no projects in progress for schools at primary or post-primary level in Sallins.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages. My Department will continue to review all School Planning Areas, including Sallins with regard to any demographic changes that may result in the need for further additional school accommodation in the future.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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232. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which she and her Department continue to assess the educational needs at primary and second level in Kill, County Kildare, with particular reference to the completion of promised or existing projects arising from the demographics in the area; if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of school accommodation in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58670/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

With regard to the Kill School Planning Area - there are currently no projects in progress for schools at primary or post-primary level in Kill.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages. My Department will continue to review all School Planning Areas including Kill Co. Kildare with regard to any demographic changes that may result in the need for further additional school accommodation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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233. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which she and her Department continue to assess the educational needs at primary and second level in Celbridge, County Kildare, with particular reference to the completion of promised or existing projects arising from the demographics in the area; if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of school accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58671/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Celbridge. Please see attached table showing a list of all building projects ongoing in Celbridge.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages. My Department will continue to review all School Planning Areas with regard to any demographic changes that may result in the need for further additional school accommodation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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234. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she continues to monitor the educational requirements in Leixlip, County Kildare at primary and secondary level, given the population increases in the area; if she is satisfied that all eventualities are being catered for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58672/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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.

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 the Leixlip School Planning Area indicate an increase in requirements at both primary and post primary level in the short term followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter.

The Department will continue to liaise with the Local Authority in Kildare in respect of their County Development Plan and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas including in Leixlip.

There are three capital projects planned in the Leixlip school planning area and when completed, will cater for the demand for school places in the area:

Leixlip Primary School (Roll Number 20256D) Brief:8 Classroom School. Project Brief Stage (this includes determining the project brief and schedule of accommodation).

Scoil Bhride (Roll Number 19407L) Brief: 2 x Special Education Needs Base. Stage 1 (Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authorities, will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief).

Confey Community College (Roll Number 70691C) Brief: 1 x Special Education Needs Base. Stage 1 (Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authorities, will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief).