Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
813. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education her plans for a full primary and secondary educational audit of Tramore and the surrounding area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41987/22]
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.
The status of all capital projects, including those in Waterford, are available on www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-education.
Previous demographic exercises have not identified a requirement for a new school in Tramore, however, 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, is at an advanced stage.
