Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
193. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the serious shortage of school places for new entrants and primary school students in Portlaoise; if having regard to significant new housing developments in the area, appropriate school places might be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8688/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data from the Department of Social Protection, and my Department's own school enrolment databases, is analysed to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, 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, or
• Provision of a new school or schools.
My Department is aware of increasing enrolment pressures in some areas, including Portlaoise. It is, however, important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not necessary be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
• Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
• School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town or area
• Some towns or areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
• External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
A critical next step is to acquire clarity on the actual number of additional primary places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place. The Department is aware of pressures for Primary places within the Portlaoise SPA and will continue to engage with Patrons and School Authorities to ensure there are sufficient school places available.
While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one.
