Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
245. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that there is a decision made to build schools (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will outline the demand, needs and projections for these schools; and the way these new schools will impact on existing schools in the immediate area and its hinterland. [25347/13]
View answerI can confirm that my Department has plans to provide the schools to which the Deputy refers. They will commence operation in September 2013. Based on Child benefit data and other information sources, an extra 1,076 pupils will require places in the area up to 2016. This equates to an additional 38 classrooms at a pupil teacher ratio of 28:1. Given the scale of the demand, it is clear that the three schools in the immediate vicinity would not be able to meet it. The new schools are, therefore, being established to both ensure that no pupil is without a place and to add to the choice of school type available to parents. In addition, further lands are zoned for residential development in the area concerned. The proposed new schools will be well placed to meet any future development in this regard.
