Réada Cronin
Question:124. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the development of the proposed new school at Millerstown-Kilcock; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15672/23]
View answerWednesday, 29 March 2023
Questions (124)
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.Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through: -Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,- Provision of a new school or schools. The most recent projections for the Kilcock School Planning Area at primary level indicate the projected peak year was 2021 with 2,554 pupils and enrolments are projected to decrease. At post primary level the projected peak year is 2025 with 1,348 pupils and enrolments are projected to decrease thereafter.
As part of its discussions with the local authority regarding future population growth within the Kilcock area, a site to serve a future primary school (if required) has been reserved within the current Meath County Development Plan. This site comes within the area of a proposed Strategic Housing development planned for the Kilcock environs as referred to by the Deputy and of which the Department is aware. My Department will continue to liaise with the local authority and the rate and pace of development will be monitored by my Department to determine if additional school provision will be required and if so, the timeframe involved.