Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
190. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a more central location can be found for the new Educate Together primary school in the Killester, Raheny and Clontarf school planning area; if he will make stronger submissions in respect of planning applications for residential developments insisting that land be made available for school buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2685/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that a permanent site option for the new Killester/Raheny/Clontarf ETNS has been identified and it is in the school planning area.
The zoning of land is a matter for the relevant planning authorities and while my Department is a prescribed body with whom planning authorities are statutorily obliged to consult in respect of the making or variation of Development Plans, there is no requirement for consultation in respect of individual planning applications. Rather, planning authorities are to have regard to relevant planning guidance including the 2008 Code of Practice “The Provision of Schools and the Planning System” and Planning Guidelines “Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas” which provide for an assessment of existing schools’ capacity or the provision of new school facilities in tandem with the development. It is important to note that the recent adoption of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Region is going to inform the review of County Development Plans and Local Area Plans. The RSES identifies a future settlement hierarchy to be reflected in the Plans and will require extensive engagement between the Planning authorities and the Department officials to ensure proper planning provision for schools and other education facilities.
Engagement between my officials and officials in the relevant Planning Authority in the context of its review of the Development Plan is underway and through this my Department aims to secure necessary provision to protect current and future educational requirements in the Planning Authority area.
