Earlier this year a new planning model was introduced for educational infrastructure to ensure that school provision is decided after a transparent consultation process. Trustees, parents, sponsors of prospective schools and all interested parties from a locality have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process. The main feature of the new model, which is being introduced initially on a pilot basis in five specific areas, is the publication of an area development plan which sets out a blueprint for education infrastructure in a particular area into the future. The components of a draft area development plan are details of existing primary and post primary provision, an examination of local demographics, a commentary on relevant data and recommendations on future provision. On publication of each draft area development plan, the commission on school accommodation conducts a public engagement process to which all interested parties can make submissions. All of these submissions are published. The process in each case culminates in the publication of a final area development plan against which all capital funding decisions will be made over the next decade.
The final area development plan for Mountmellick and Mountrath has been published and the final area development plan for the area around the N4 from Leixlip through Kilcock, Enfield, Longwood, Kinnegad and Rochfortbridge to Kilbeggan is being completed. A further three draft area development plans will be published by the middle of next year. The location of the proposed new school to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of the process outlined above.
