Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2022
234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she continues to monitor the educational requirements in Leixlip, County Kildare at primary and secondary level, given the population increases in the area; if she is satisfied that all eventualities are being catered for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58672/22]
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 Leixlip 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 their 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 Leixlip.There are three capital projects planned in the Leixlip school planning area and when completed, will cater for the demand for school places in the area:
Leixlip Primary School (Roll Number 20256D) Brief: 8 Classroom School. Project Brief Stage (this includes determining the project brief and schedule of accommodation).
Scoil Bhride (Roll Number 19407L) 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).
Confey Community College (Roll Number 70691C) Brief: 1 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).
