Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
234. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the ongoing issue pertaining to the need for additional accommodation at a school (details supplied); what is the long-term plan for this school accommodation needs; if a permanent structure will be built on the school grounds or is it anticipated that additional modular units will be provided as a short-term measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44081/23]
View answerI can confirm that an application for additional accommodation was received under my Department's Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
Following the assessment of the application, the school authority was approved a devolved permanent project towards the delivery of 5 general classrooms, a 2 SEN base and reconfiguration works to the technology room and preparation area. In 2021, 8 modular classrooms were approved to meet the immediate accommodation requirements of the school.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
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, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Where 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 either one, or a combination of, the following:
• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
• Provision of a new school or schools.
It is expected that the enrolment pressures in the Cashel School Planning Area will reduce in the short-term as such planned additional capacity comes on stream and as demographic demand moves past its peak. 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 the Cashel SPA.
If the need for additional accommodation arises it is open to the school authority to make an application for additional accommodation through the 'Additional School Accommodation scheme (ASA)' which is available at www.gov.ie.
My Department will continue to work to advance current projects and to ensure sufficient places for both mainstream provision and for pupils with special education requirements both for the coming academic year and into the future. My officials will continue to monitor enrolment trends, population growth, and residential development in this School Planning Area and to keep school place requirements under review. In particular, the impact on school place demand of new arrivals, including Ukrainian students, will inform my Department’s assessment of school accommodation needs. Additionally there will be continued engagement with patrons and school authorities with a view to identifying at an early stage any particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train.
