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Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Questions (479)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

479. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if she will provide projections for secondary school demand and capacity for the Galway and Oranmore catchment areas; the status of permanent accommodation for the Galway ETSS; the expected timeline for the project; and the contingency plans that will be put in place for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years to meet the accommodation needs of the school in the continued absence of a permanent solution. [25848/21]

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Written answers

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.    

The most recent such analysis indicates projected growth in post primary requirements in the Galway City and Oranmore school planning areas.  However current and planned projects, including at Galway ETSS, are expected to meet that estimated demand.  The requirements for school places nationally, including those in Galway City and Oranmore, will continue to be kept under review. 

The school has sufficient accommodation to cater for its enrolment intake for September 2021 in the current interim location.  My Department will be considering the school's accommodation needs for the 2022/2023 school year. 

With regard to the school's permanent accommodation, officials in my Department are working closely with officials from Galway County and City Councils under the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable permanent location for the school.  The potential requirement for the permanent site to accommodate a temporary school while construction of the permanent building is ongoing, is being taken into consideration. A number of site options have been identified and are under active consideration.  This included a zoned site and discussions are ongoing with relevant stakeholders in relation to the provision of access and services to this site. Due to commercial sensitivities it is not possible to provide further information on these options at this time.

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