Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012
185. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the minimum and maximum number of pupils required in order for future second level schools to be built in a parish in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53807/12]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in June 2011, I announced that 20 new post-primary schools would be established over the next six years. This announcement arose from the study undertaken by the Forward Planning Section in my Department, of the country to identify the areas, where, due to significant demographic changes, there would be a requirement for additional school accommodation. The decision to establish new schools in these areas arose from detailed analysis of child benefit data and enrolments in existing primary schools. In addition, an examination of the existing post-primary schools and their capacity to expand to cater for additional students was undertaken. The vast majority of new post-primary schools to be established over the next six years will be built to cater for between 750 and 1,000 pupils.
