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.
However, it should be noted that the area to which the Deputy refers is the subject of a 2012 Local Area Plan which has been extended until 2022. My Department engaged with the Planning Authority in the preparation of this LAP and identified school site requirements for which provision was made. One such school site requirement was recently upheld in an An Bord Pleanála decision on a planning application which had proposed residential development on an area identified for future school needs. My Department made a submission on the planning application and ABP's subsequent decision precluded the landowner from delivering the proposed development on the school site.
In addition, the 2018 announcement of new schools included two new schools, one primary, one post primary, in the area in question. Sites have been identified for both schools and the projects for the delivery of the school accommodation are being progressed.