Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

197. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department is considering the establishment of a new second level school in east Cork given the projected rise in population figures in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17044/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to advise the Deputy that requirement for 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 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, my 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 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.

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.

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.

There has been a significant number of projects in East Cork including the recently completed project at Carrigtwohill Post Primary School which delivered a new, modern 1,000 pupil permanent school building.

An extension at St. Colman's Community College, Midleton has also been recently completed to cater for up to 1,000 pupils.

Other projects being advanced in East Cork include expanded capacity at Christian Brothers Secondary School and St. Mary's High School in Midleton. In addition, St. Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill will expand to cater for 1,000 pupils, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide in Youghal for 1,200 pupils, Coláiste Mhuire and Carrignafoy Community College, both in Cobh, for 600 and over 700 pupils respectively and Loreto and St Colmans Boys Secondary School, both in Fermoy both have projects that will cater for 800 pupils.

There are more first year places available across east Cork than there are sixth class children enrolled in primary schools. For the 2024/25 year, there was a surplus of first year places available with over 7% of available first year places not being filled. It is expected that there will be a similar surplus for the 2025/26 school year.

Nonetheless, I am aware that there can be pressures where there is high demand in an area or for a particular school. In that context my department has put in place a number of measures to support post-primary schools in managing and effectively coordinating their admissions processes including enhancements to the IT systems for registering enrolments, and continuing the data-sharing arrangements with schools in areas of enrolment pressure including east Cork.

The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements. In the majority of areas, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and my department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. My department is working with schools to ensure there are sufficient places for all who require a place for 2025. Further additional provision will be made where a need is identified.

Given the level of existing and planned provision, my department is satisfied that the provision of a new school entity at post primary level in the east Cork area is not required at this time.