School Accommodation

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Questions (104)

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

104. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update in the way the decision to provide a school (details supplied) in County Dublin was arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26599/13]

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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. Using this system, up to 2018 a need for some 1,540 additional primary school places has been identified in the area to which the Deputy refers. This equates to an additional 55 classrooms at a pupil teacher ratio of 28:1. The new school referred to by the Deputy is being established to assist in addressing this emerging shortfall and to add to the choice of school type available to parents in the area.