Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 September 2021
106. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education her plans to accommodate the expanding education needs in Tramore, County Waterford with a view both to lands zoned for education and demographic pressures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45660/21]
View answerMy Department considers that the existing schools in Tramore are positioned to meet the educational needs arising from the increased population projected in the draft Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 -2028.
There are four mainstream primary schools in Tramore and one post-primary school. A significant extension has recently been completed at one of the primary schools and a major capital project is being planned for another of the primary schools.
The post-primary school has a recently completed new building.
My Department has analysed the projected demographic demand for school places in Tramore up to 2028 and considers that in light of the underlying demographics that the existing facilities will meet demand when account is taken of the planned works.
The population of Tramore was 10,381 people in the 2016 Census. The draft Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 plan projects that the population will have increased by 1,168 people to a total of 11,549 by 2031 (an increase of c. 11%).
Tramore is served by four mainstream primary schools and one post-primary school.
The Department has considered the capacity of the existing facilities to meet the projected population increase by taking account of the demographic data of the existing population and including the projected requirements arising from the increase.
In the case of Tramore, the increase in school place requirements resulting from the projected population increase is mitigated by the decline in school place requirements as a result of the underlying demographics of the area. Primary school enrolments in Tramore reached a peak in 2020 and are projected to decline annually for the next six years at least. At post-primary level, enrolments are expected to reach a peak next year, 2022 and to decline steadily over the following years.
