Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Placement.

Richard Bruton

Question:

210 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the chronic capacity problems in schools in Dublin 15; and if he will undertake a complete overhaul of the planning process within his Department in order that schools are planned in anticipation of population growth in new areas. [25156/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

There are currently 20 primary and six post-primary schools operating in the Dublin 15 area. I am aware that there is pressure on accommodation in some of these schools. This is due mainly to the general increase in pupil numbers arising from extensive housing developments in the area and in part to parents exercising choice in selecting schools for their children to attend.

In the past five years two new schools have been established in Dublin 15, one each at primary and post-primary level. Plans are in hand, also, to provide a new primary school in the Littlepace-Castaheany area. In addition, extensions of accommodation are planned or in progress at a number of existing schools in the area.

My Department reviews the primary and post- primary accommodation requirements of major urban centres on a regular basis. As part of this process, the planning section of my Department meets with the relevant local authorities to establish the location and scale of proposed housing developments. Such a meeting is due to take place shortly with Fingal County Council to discuss future developments in north Dublin, including Dublin 15. In this way, every effort is made to monitor existing provision and to ensure that timely arrangements are made to extend capacity where necessary.

I would be concerned to ensure that my Department retains the capacity to anticipate future school accommodation needs at a time of rapid development and demographic change. The Commission on School Accommodation is at present reviewing my Department's procedures for the planning of school provision at first and second level, and I will give careful consideration as to how these procedures should best be structured in the light of this review.