School Enrolments Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Questions (273)

Simon Harris

Question:

273. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the plans he has in place to ensure that adequate school places are now available in a town (details supplied) for the forthcoming school year commencing in September; the further plans he has to address the need for school places in the town for the following school year starting in September 2014; the methods used by his Department to determine the projected future demand for primary school accommodation; if he has given consideration to a new school building in the part of the town in which the majority of preschool children are currently living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25619/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department uses a Geographical Information System to analyse demographic data to determine the areas where additional school accommodation may be required. A variety of sources are used in this analysis, including census data, school enrolment data and child benefit data obtained from the Department of Social Protection. The Department's five-year construction plan contains projects for an additional 15 classrooms at two schools in the area to which the Deputy refers and devolved funding has been made available for projects at three other schools to deliver a further five classrooms. It is envisaged that the totality of this additionality will be delivered by the commencement of the 2013/14 school year. At post primary level, a new school will commence operation for the 2014/15 school year. The demographics for the area are currently under review and further school provision will be made if the need arises.