Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

School Enrolments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2019

Tuesday, 3 December 2019

Ceisteanna (248)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

248. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a large number of schools in County Galway appear to have long waiting lists of pupils who are due to go to second-level schools in 2020; if contingency plans are being drawn up to ensure each pupil will receive places in second-level schools September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50394/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level. Approximately 40% of extra school places are delivered by extending existing schools.

The Deputy will be aware that there area number of major capital projects included on my Department’s school building programme to be delivered as part of the National Development Plan. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under project Ireland 2040. I wish to advise the Deputy that the current status of large-scale projects being delivered under project Ireland 2040 may be viewed on my Department's website, www.education.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.

The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding under the 'Additional School Accommodation Scheme' (ASA) for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. The application form for this scheme is available on my Department's website www.education.ie, details of schools listed under this scheme can also be found on my Department's website, this information is updated regularly.

Barr
Roinn