Written answers
Thursday, 23 April 2026
Department of Education and Skills
School Enrolments
Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
390. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department is aware that there are six primary schools between the parishes of Leixlip and Confey, and that currently her Department is addressing high enrolment numbers for the next academic year in Leixlip by allocating space in Confey (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29493/26]
Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
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.
My department is aware of the pressure for junior infant places in Leixlip for September 2026. Department officials are in on-going engagement with the primary schools in the town and have assessed admissions data submitted.
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.
My department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. For planning purposes, my department examines urban areas as a whole and does not recognise parish boundaries in this review.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
My department will continue to engage directly with the relevant schools and patrons in Leixlip to ensure sufficient school places are available for the forthcoming school year.
No comments