Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
1096 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the 43 locations here that have been identified in the recent study for additional primary school provision for 2010, 2011 and 2012 as having significant demographic changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32944/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra1097 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the time frame for the completion of the detailed analysis and report to identify school accommodation requirements for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 in an area (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32945/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra1098 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the time frame for the completion of the detailed analysis and report to identify school accommodation requirements for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 in an area (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32946/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1096 to 1098, inclusive, together.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social & Family Affairs in addition to recent schools' enrolment data.
The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in more than 40 selected locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. This information has been circulated to all existing school Patrons who have been invited to bring forward proposals for the expansion of existing schools or indeed to put themselves forward as Patron for any new primary school, should it be required. The requirement for the establishment of new schools will of course be lessened where it is possible to expand and extend existing schools in those areas.
The Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out an analysis of each of these locations, including the two areas referred to by the Deputy, in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015.
When the required reports have been completed for these initial areas selected the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. I will arrange to have a list of the initial areas identified for analysis forwarded to the Deputy for her information.
