Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2022
227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the degree to which she and her Department continue to assess the educational needs at primary and second level in Naas, County Kildare with particular reference to the completion of promised or existing projects arising from the demographics in the area; if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of school accommodation in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58665/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that requirements for additional school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity.
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 2022 demographic exercise indicates that 85% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level show static or decreasing enrolments for the period to 2026 compared with 2021. At post-primary level some 74% of school planning areas are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2029, with most expected to reach a peak within the next two or three years.Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through: - 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 the Naas School Planning Area indicate an increase in requirements at both primary and post primary level in the short term followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter. The Department will continue to liaise with the Local Authority in Kildare in respect of its County Development Plan and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas including in Naas.There are six capital projects planned in the Naas school planning area and when completed, will cater for the demand for school places in the area:Mercy Convent Primary School (Roll Number 15040T) Brief : 32 Classroom School. Stage 4 (Stage 4 is the signing of the letter of acceptance to the successful contractor and commencement on site).
Scoil Chorbain (Roll Number 17254C) Brief : Extension to provide 16 classroom school with 2 Special Educational Needs Base. Stage 2b (Stage 2B is the Developed Design & lodgement of Planning Permission).
Coláiste Naomh Mhuire (Roll Number 61730I) Brief: Extension to increase capacity to LTPE 900. Stage 2b (Stage 2B is the Developed Design & lodgement of Planning Permission).
SN Mhuire (Roll Number 18055B) – Brief : 2 x Special Education Needs Base. Stage 1(Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authorities, will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief).
An Linbh Iosa Roll Number 19597T – Brief: 2 x Mainstream Classroom, 2 Special Education Needs Base, 1 x Special Education Teacher space. Stage 1 (Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authorities, will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief).
Recently completed capital project:
Naas Community College (Roll Number 76194S) Brief: 1,000 pupil school plus 2 Special Education Needs Base. Stage 5 - February 2022 (Stage 5 is final handover of the school building to the Patron/Board of Management).
