Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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191. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the three proposed schools, one secondary and two primary, in a location identified in the Donabate local area plan (details supplied); when she expects construction to commence, given that the population will increase dramatically in the next five years, with planning permission granted for 2,157 units, with 1,627 under construction;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37774/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, the Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including CSO Census data, 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.

Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, the Department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from Local Authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.

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.

New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place.

If additional accommodation is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post primary schools, new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600-1,000 students and must be co-educational. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to Gaelcholáistí, having regard to the alternative of establishing an Irish-medium unit (Aonad) in an English-medium school.

There are 3 primary school projects planned in the Donabate school planning area and when completed, will increase capacity in the area:

Gaelscoil na Mara (Roll No: 20530R) – Brief: new 16 classroom school building + 4 SEN. Stage Project Brief. Project Brief stage - this includes determining the project brief and schedule of accommodation.

St Patrick's BNS (Roll No: 16267G) – Brief: 2x Special education classrooms. 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.

Scoil Padraig (Roll No: 18412W) – Brief: 1x Special education classroom:2x Special education tuition rooms and 4x Mainstream classrooms. Stage 1.

Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at 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.

The Department is monitoring the pace of delivery of residential developments in the Donabate area to ensure that education provision can be provided when required. The Department will continue to liaise with Fingal County Council 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.