Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
531. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Education when the last review of demographic information including projected growth was carried out in Wexford town particularly relating to the female gender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38815/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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, utilising data from a range of sources including information on planned and current residential development, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. Major new residential developments in a school planning area have the potential to alter demand in that area. In that regard, as part of the demographic exercises, my Department engages with each local authority to obtain the up-to-date data on significant new residential development in each area. My Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within the particular area and its ability to meet increased demand.
Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
As the Deputy will be aware, since April 2018 the Government has announced plans for the establishment of 47 new schools over the four years 2019 to 2022. This includes a new post primary school to be established in Gorey in 2021.
While there has not been a new school announced for Wexford town, the requirement for additional school places is kept under on-going review and work on an updated exercise to assess needs for the coming years, including those which may arise in the Wexford school planning area, is at an advanced stage.
