Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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261. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the primary and secondary school’s which are planned to be constructed in the CSW-S2 area of the Clonburris SDZ will be constructed and opened in view of the fact that South Dublin County Council have reported that they have requested these be prioritised and discussions are ongoing with her Department; the timeframe for when these schools will be constructed, staffed and opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50945/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 are multiple sites, zoned for educational purposes, to cater for the future needs of the Clonburris SDZ where there is significant proposed residential development.

Earlier this year, my department facilitated the relocation of Lucan East ETNS to a newly constructed school building in Kishogue. This school is well located to meet the increasing demand from the new residential area in Clonburris and can be extended in the future to facilitate additional capacity.

The pace of delivery of additional residential development in the Clonburris SDZ area, along with updated enrolment data and demographic data will be kept under review and this will inform the timing of further school requirements in the area.

The department will continue to liaise with South Dublin 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.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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262. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the former site of a school (details supplied) will be re-purposed as a building for special needs education in view of the fact that South Dublin County Council have reported that discussions are ongoing with her Department in relation to this school being repurposed, when this school will be fully staffed and opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50946/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, a new special school is being established on the site referred to for the 2025/26 school year. The former school building on this Department owned site is being repurposed for the new school. The repurposing works to facilitate the school opening have been completed. The outcome of the statutory approval process, which enables the occupation of the building is awaited.

The Department understands that the patron (Dublin Dun Laoghaire ETB) is completing the recruitment process for the remaining teaching and special needs assistant posts.