Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2015
543. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a replacement school for a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26225/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's over-riding objective and the primary focus of the 5 Year Construction Plan is to ensure that every child has access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. Total pupil enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by around 108,000 additional pupils between 2012 and 2019. This is over 70,000 at primary level and almost 38,000 at post-primary level. The Department continues to review the most up to date demographic information to ensure that any emerging school accommodation shortfalls are identified and met in a timely manner. In this regard, the Department is currently carrying out a nationwide demographic exercise to determine where additional new schools and extensions will be required from 2017 onwards to meet additional demographic demand. On foot of this review, arrangements will be made to provide additional accommodation where this is required. Should the need for increased capacity be identified in the area referred to by the Deputy, a decision on how this need will be met will be determined as part of this process at the appropriate time.
