Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
928. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the basis upon which there was a request for an extension to a planned school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if she is aware of the existing primary schools in the area; their numbers; and the impact this, if granted, could have on these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37483/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for additional school places will arise. The GIS uses data from the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Department of Social Protection in addition to information from the Department's own databases. It also uses data from the local authorities. With all of this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level. The requirement for additional accommodation in the school referred to by the Deputy arises on foot of the analysis of demographic data undertaken by my Department. That analysis identifies ongoing requirements for additional accommodation in the wider Dublin 7 area and the new school to open in Cabra-Phibsborough in 2016, together with the expansion of the existing school referred to by the Deputy, is intended to address those requirements.
