Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
336. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the reason that her Department has chosen to proceed with a new build for a school (details supplied) with a proposed capacity of 650 pupils, against the wishes of school management who requested a larger capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56291/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that 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.
The level of demand volume across school planning areas with an increasing net requirement range 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,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
Where capacity issues arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department is engaging with patron bodies to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming year(s) which may necessitate action including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.
Recent projections for the Blessington School Planning Area (SPA) indicate a slight increase in enrolment requirements at post primary level up to 2023, followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter. My Department approved a building project for the school referred to by the Deputy that will deliver capacity for an estimated Long Term Projected Enrolment (LTPE) of 650 pupils. Pending delivery of the building project, my Department recently approved modular accommodation for the school consisting of Classrooms, Specialist Room, Classrooms for Special Education Needs and Toilets.
In response to a request from the patron of the school to increase the LTPE, my Department clarified the demographic position to the patron and stated that my Department is satisfied that the LTPE of 650 pupils should remain in respect of the major building project for the school. My Department has also indicated to the patron that it will consider permitting the retention of the modular accommodation should enrolment in the Blessington SPA increase beyond that identified in my Department’s recent projections. My Department will continue to keep the demographic position under review.
