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Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021

Wednesday, 27 January 2021

Questions (439, 448)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

439. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if the current and projected capacity of schools in south County Kildare, particularly in those areas experiencing continuous population growth such as Newbridge and Kildare, will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3612/21]

View answer

Patricia Ryan

Question:

448. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education the action she will take to address the lack of school places in Newbridge, County Kildare; if there are plans to provide a new secondary school in Newbridge, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3755/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 448 together.

My Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in the school planning areas referred to by the Deputy.

Where capacity issues arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area

- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area

- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school there are not available to all pupils

- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area

Until these issues are discussed with the relevant school authorities the true extent of any capacity issue will only become known.

Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department is engaging with patron bodies, including those in County Kildare, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming year(s) which may necessitate action.

Under project Ireland 2040, my Department continues to make progress to increase the infrastructural capacity in the schools sector, in order to meet demographic and other demands.

The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, including projects in County Kildare may be viewed on my Department's website, www.education.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.

The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, including accommodation for pupils with special educational needs, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need, has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. Details of schools listed on this programme (Additional Accommodation Scheme) can be found on my Department's website www.education.ie and this information is also updated regularly.

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