Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
473 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the demographic and other data used in determining the location of new schools; and if data on planning applications for dwellings is used as part of this process. [30206/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary and post-primary level in a given area entails consideration by my Department of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places. This process includes obtaining information regarding the number of planning permissions granted and sought in particular areas.
As part of this process, the Minister for Education and Science is included among the prescribed authorities to whom local authorities are statutorily obliged to send draft development plans or proposed variations to development plans. My Department monitors these plans and meets with local authorities, as required, to establish the location, scale and pace of major housing developments and their possible implications for school provision. Where appropriate, the local authority may be requested to reserve a site for educational purposes. In this way, every effort is made to ensure adequate existing provision or timely arrangements are made to extend capacity, where necessary. Liaison with existing schools is an important part of the process also, as the school authorities would usually alert my Department where, in their view, the need for additional accommodation is anticipated.
In addition, standing arrangements are in place for officials of my Department's planning and building unit to meet on a regular basis with officials of the four Dublin local authorities to discuss development proposals and consequent site requirements for new schools. My Department is concentrating on the 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.
