Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2018
226. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills the location identified for a school (details supplied); if he has consulted with local schools to date in this regard; and the status of the development. [28074/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recently announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022), including a new 8 classroom primary school to be established in 2019 for the area referred to by the Deputy. This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.
In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future. Based on the current analysis, this need can be addressed through either planned capacity increases in existing schools or additional accommodation or extensions to existing schools. Approximately 40% of extra school places are delivered by extending existing schools. The requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular will have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
The existing capacity in local primary schools in the area to which the Deputy refers is currently being explored on the basis of issues raised by local school principals. My Department will arrange to consult with the local principals in this regard.
