Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
443. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education her plans to expand the capacity of schools in the local area of Chapelizod, Dublin, due to a number of housing developments in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23692/21]
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, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level. Chapelizod is located in the Ballyfermot_D10 school planning area.
The most recent analysis undertaken by my Department projects that over 60% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level have stable or decreasing projected enrolments for the period to 2024, whereas some 90% of the school planning areas at post-primary level are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2027.
The level of demand volume across school planning areas with an increasing net requirement ranges from small to medium increases that are likely to be accommodated by existing schools through to significant projected growth that may require additional provision.
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, and
- Provision of a new school or schools.
The most recent projections for Ballyfermot_D10 school planning area indicate increased requirements at post primary level but a projected reduction in primary school place requirements.
The requirement for additional school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity. Additionally, my Department will continue to liaise with Dublin City Council in respect of its review of the City Development Plan with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across the county.
