Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2018
44. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the provision of school buildings and facilities in Dublin 15 and the Pelletstown, Navan Road and Ashtown areas of Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4894/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department’s capital programme continues to address the challenge posed by a rapidly increasing school population. To meet this demographic challenge, my Department’s Capital Investment Programme (2016-2021), details the school projects that are being progressed to meet this need. The capital programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.
Since 2015, three new primary schools, Pelletstown Educate Together National School, Scoil Sinéad National School and Broombridge Educate Together National School have been established in the areas referred to by the Deputy to meet demographic growth.
The 6 Year Construction Programme also includes building projects at five further schools in the area, Mary Help of Christian's National School, St. John Bosco Junior and Senior Boys' National Schools, North Dublin Muslim School and Holy Family School for the Deaf.
While there was no requirement for a new post primary school in the area referred to by the Deputy, a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school opened in September 2017 in temporary accommodation in the adjoining school planning area of Carpenterstown/Castleknock.
The nationwide demographic exercises for all school planning areas at primary and post-primary level, including the area referred to by the Deputy is ongoing. The outcome will determine where additional school accommodation will be needed in the future. It is anticipated that decisions based on this exercise will be announced shortly.
