Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
757. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress to date in the establishment of new primary schools in Bray, Clondalkin, Naas, Gurranabraher and West Kilkenny; the current status of each project and projected progress for each project over the next 24 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13583/23]
View answerThe planned establishment of new primary schools in 2021 to serve the Bray/Woodbrook Shanganagh, Clondalkin_D22, Naas, Gurranbraher_Cork City, and Kilkenny/City Western Environs school planning areas were announced in 2018 as a result of a countrywide demographic exercise. Further analysis has since been conducted on the necessity for the establishment of planned new schools taking into account a number of factors including the pace of delivery of the expected additional residential development in the school planning areas, associated enrolments and the capacity in existing schools in the areas.
My Department is satisfied that the existing demand can be accommodated at present by the existing and growing schools in the school planning areas. As a result, the establishment of the planned new schools has been deferred.
The pace of delivery of additional residential development in the school planning areas, along with updated enrolment data and demographic data will be kept under review and this will inform the timing of school requirements. My Department will continue to liaise with the Local Authorities in respect to the projected completion of planned residential developments.
