Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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169. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will reassess the need for a secondary school for Newcastle given the population is growing faster than projected in the 2022-2028 South Dublin County Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40007/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My department has a robust forward planning process which considers population and enrolment data.

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.

My department conducts demographic analysis at both school planning area and settlement level. More granular analysis is carried out in areas encompassing both high growth urban settlement areas and a more rural hinterland.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, where possible, is by 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 is currently less than 500 post primary school pupils living in the Newcastle urban area. These pupils attend school in Rathcoole and Citywest, where school capacity has been provided to accommodate them.

There are two post-primary projects in the Newcastle_Rathcoole school planning area, Coláiste Pobal Fóla and Holy Family Community School, providing additional capacity. These will, when completed, cater for demand for school places in the area.

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

My department will continue to liaise with South Dublin County Council in respect of their County Development Plan and within the context of the proposed new housing targets, upon issue, with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas.