Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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658. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the provision for secondary school places that was made as per the plan (details supplied), following the increase in residential developments in the area over the past ten years and the 893 units due to be completed in 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30134/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority of mine.

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.

While my Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in some areas, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

Duplication of applications

School of choice

Single sex schools

External draw

Notwithstanding the above, in some areas demographic pressures and other factors are driving a requirement for additional school places.

In the context of Objective CI2, which states that the Local Area Plan will facilitate the provision of educational facilities in the plan area by way of an integrated approach between the Department of Education and Skills, school authorities and Dublin City Council. The department regularly engages with Dublin City Council in respect of its Development Plan and Local Area Plans, of which Ashtown Pelletstown LAP is one, with a view to potential future school place requirements across the Dublin area.

I want to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work to ensure a school place for every child in Pelletstown area, as with other areas across the country.