Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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415. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the future plans for the temporary accommodation site currently occupied by a school (details supplied), in view of the schools' scheduled move to its permanent premises in 2026; the plans for the retention or development of the existing sports facilities on the site; her plans for the current school premises once vacated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54635/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the requirement for school places is kept under on-going review in the context of constantly evolving information on population, enrolments and residential development activity. 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 those with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department of Education.

Since 2020, my Department has invested over €6 billion in our schools, involving the completion of over 1,300 school building projects including the school referred to by the Deputy.

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 using data from local authorities, the CSO and engagement with key stakeholders.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular 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 a shortfall of places is identified in an area, the Department will work with schools to put the necessary solutions in place.

The school admissions process is currently under way and this data in addition to the aforementioned information will inform the Department on the optimum use of any identified capacity across the school estate including that identified by the Deputy for the forthcoming 2025/2026 school year and beyond. The Department will continue to engage closely with patron and management bodies in this regard.