Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1114. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) is currently oversubscribed for the 2022-2023 school year; if her Department intends to supply emergency accommodation to the school in order to address the level of need; and the plans that her Department has to ensure increased capacity in schools across the Lucan area in order to cater for the growing population. [40971/22]
View answerThe school in question has reported a waiting list for places across class groups from Junior Infants to Sixth Class for the 2022/23 school year. Data available to my Department, including that obtained from contact with other primary schools in the Lucan area, shows very good capacity at schools in the area, which can address the school place demand. In schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process may be necessary and it may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in their school of first choice. The need for emergency accommodation is not considered necessary.
There is significant continuing residential development in the area and a project to deliver 32 additional mainstream primary classrooms in Adamstown (across the school to which the Deputy refers as well as a neighbouring school) is at an early stage. The Department is assessing the forecast demand for school places against current and oncoming capacity at schools in order to identify any interim or additional accommodation requirements for 2023/24 or future years.
Other planned building projects in the Lucan area include:
St. Thomas Junior National School & Scoil Aine Senior National School Lucan – two new 24-classroom schools with special education needs classes are being provided.
Divine Mercy Junior and Senior NS Lucan – an extension is being provided at the junior and senior schools, which when completed, will provide capacity for 2 x 24 classroom schools together with special education needs classes.
