Thomas Byrne
Ceist:80. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the expansion to primary school provision in Ashbourne, County Meath. [29342/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 4 July 2018
Ceisteanna (80)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, plans were recently announced for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019-2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the county 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 which, based on the current analysis, can be addressed through either planned capacity increases in existing schools or additional accommodation or extensions to existing schools.
In line with the ongoing review of school planning areas generally, I can confirm that my Department is currently reviewing the position in relation to primary provision for the Ashbourne school planning area. My Department is aware of issues raised by schools regarding pressure on school places in the Ashbourne area for September 2018. In that regard, my Department officials recently met with the Ashbourne primary school principals and further discussions are ongoing with school patrons in relation to the expected enrolment position in each school and with the aim of ensuring that there is adequate accommodation to cater for the demand for places next September.