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School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Ceisteanna (271)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which progress in the provision of primary and post-primary schools or extension of existing schools is in line with expectations at Maynooth, County Kildare; the extent to which an accelerated programme might be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45310/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. In addition, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements.

Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, including Maynooth, my Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity and identifies any requirement for additional provision.

It is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not always be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by factors such as duplication of applications or school of choice - this is, where pupils can't get a place in their preferred school but there are places in other schools in the area.

Through engagement with school authorities and patrons, and having accounted for factors such as duplication of applications, my Department has established that a requirement exists for increased provision at schools in Maynooth.

My officials are leading engagement with the relevant school patrons and authorities to put the necessary solutions in place for the 2024/25 and future school years.  This includes the use of existing spare capacity, sanctioning of works to existing accommodation, and the accelerated provision of modular accommodation.

My Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years.  Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for Maynooth.  

These projects include recently completed new school buildings at Maynooth Boys National School, Maynooth Educate Together National School, Maynooth Post Primary School and Maynooth Community College.  Other projects currently in train will increase capacity at Presentation Girls Primary School and Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa.

I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Maynooth and across the county for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.

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