School classroom accommodation needs are not determined solely by reference to the pre vious September's enrolment figures. While current enrolment is a factor, the process of assessing the need for new or additional school accommodation at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration by my Department of all relevant factors. These include enrolment and demographic trends over a number of years as well as housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places.
My Department is at present examining areas of major development and population growth with a view to identifying where the most urgent need for new or additional educational facilities exists or is likely to arise in the future. As part of this process, officials of the planning and building unit consult regularly with local authorities regarding development proposals and their implications. Liaison with existing schools is important, also, and the school authorities would usually alert my Department where, in their view, the need for additional accommodation is anticipated.
In the event that the level of development and population growth in an area indicates a likely long-term need for primary or post-primary educational provision, a decision is made on the means by which that need should be met. Generally, this involves the provision of permanent accommodation in the form of a new school or an extension to existing facilities. High quality temporary or prefabricated accommodation is normally provided to alleviate short-term accommodation needs.
