Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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63. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has had any discussion on the need for a secondary school in Newcastle, County Dublin, given the enrolment pressure in the surrounding areas, as well as the need for continued expansion of the school transport scheme to residents in Newcastle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8472/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required the aim to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, is 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.

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

There are currently less than 500 post primary school pupils living in the Newcastle urban area. These pupils attend school in Rathcoole, Lucan & City West, where school capacity has been provided to accommodate them.

The impact of new residential developments is under review with South Dublin County Council.

For school planning purposes Newcastle is in the Newcastle_Rathcoole school planning area. Demand for post primary school places in the SPA is projected to peak in 2028 and reduce thereafter.

There are two post-primary projects in the school planning area, providing additional capacity. These will, when completed, cater for demand for school places in the area.

Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes children are eligible for transport at at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Routes are planned based on the number of eligible children who apply and pay within the time limits. The closing date for applications for the 2025/26 school year will be announced within the coming weeks. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department, will organise routes and contact all applicants regarding their eligibility for school transport during the summer months. Further information can be found on gov.ie at www.gov.ie/schooltransport/.