Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which progress in the provision of primary and post-primary schools or extension of existing schools is in line with expectations at Prosperous, County Kildare; the extent to which an accelerated programme might be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45309/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. In addition, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements.
Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, including Prosperous_Clane, my Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity and identifies any requirement for additional provision.
It is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not always be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by factors such as duplication of applications or school of choice - this is, where pupils can't get a place in their preferred school but there are places in other schools in the area.
Through engagement with school authorities and patrons, and having accounted for factors such as duplication of applications, my Department has established that a requirement exists for increased provision at schools in Prosperous_Clane.
My officials are leading engagement with the relevant school patrons and authorities to put the necessary solutions in place for the 2024/25 and future school years. This includes the use of existing spare capacity, sanctioning of works to existing accommodation, and the accelerated provision of modular accommodation.
My Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years. Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for Prosperous_Clane. These projects include new school building projects at St Patrick’s Boys National School which is currently on site, and at St Farnan's Post Primary School which is at planning stage. Extension projects are also in train at Scoil Mhuire Allenwood National School and Scoil Mhuire Community School which will increase capacity in the Prosperous_Clane school planning area.
I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Prosperous_Clane and across the county for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
