Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
544. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education what progress is being made to build a school in Clongriffin (details supplied), given the very high demand for school places in the area and given that the site that is reserved for a school is reserved only until 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17364/23]
View answerIn 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 2022 demographic exercise indicates that 85% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level show static or decreasing enrolments for the period to 2026 compared with 2021. At post-primary level some 74% of school planning areas are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2029, with most expected to reach a peak within the next two or three years.
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 Donaghmede_Howth School Planning Area indicate an increase in requirements at primary level up to 2026, and post primary level up to 2034, followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter.
The Department will continue to liaise with Local Authorities in respect of their County Development Plans and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas including in Donaghmede_Howth.
The following building projects are included in the Department’s school building programme for the Donaghmede/Howth/Dublin 13 School Planning Area.
• Gaelcholaiste Reachrann: A major project to provide permanent accommodation for this school is currently at stage 3 (tender). This project, when completed, will provide capacity for 600 pupils.
• Grange Community College: There are plans to expand this school to cater for 1,000 pupils and the project is currently at Project Brief stage.
• Belmayne ETSS: Major project currently at stage 4 (construction) to provide a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school including accommodation for children with special educational needs.
• Stapolin ETNS: Major project currently at Stage 4 (construction) to provide a new 16 classroom primary school including accommodation for children with special educational needs.
