Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
201. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education her progress to date in establishing and determining the need of a primary and second level school in Meakstown, Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38353/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, 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, 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. Meakstown, Dublin 11 is located in the FinglasEast_BallymunD11 school planning area.
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.
The most recent projections for FinglasEast_BallymunD11 school planning area do not indicate a requirement for the establishment of a new primary or post primary school. My Department will continue to work to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in the area to meet school place demand and will keep the requirements in FinglasEast_BallymunD11, as with all other school planning areas, under review.
