Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 December 2019
106. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a review of school places in a location (details supplied) will be carried out due to a deficit; if emergency measures will be put in place to facilitate access to education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50753/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that 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 and this information is updated regularly.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is not in receipt of a current application, from the school in question, for additional accommodation.
