Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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127. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will commence planning for a new secondary school in the Dublin 8 school planning zone. [13670/23]

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.

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 are two post-primary capital projects planned in the Dublin_8 school planning area and when completed, will cater for the demand for school places in the area:

St Patricks Cathedral G.S(Roll No: 60660I) – Brief:  4x General classrooms ,to create 1 Classroom SEN 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.  This project will increase the capacity of this school by 102 places.

Presentation College(Roll No: 60792C) – Brief: 1 Classroom SEN base + 1 x SEN prefab for September 2021 pending permanent accommodation. Stage 2A: Stage 2A involves the Preliminary Design, site surveys and cost estimates. This project will increase the capacity of this school by 6 places.

Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.