Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
331. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education to outline any plans being considered for a new second level school in the Blackrock/Haggardstown area of County Louth; if her Department’s population projections show the need for a new school in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6572/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that requirements for 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 CSO Census data, 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.
Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, my Department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from Local Authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
The Blackrock/ Haggardstown area of County Louth is in the Dundalk school planning area. The 2023 demographic exercise indicates that post primary enrolments in the school planning area are projected to peak in 2027 and decline thereafter.
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.
If additional accommodation is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post primary schools, new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600-1,000 students and must be co-educational. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to Gaelcholáistí, having regard to the alternative of establishing an Irish-medium unit (Aonad) in an English-medium school.
New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place.
These new arrangements also give an opportunity to patrons to apply for the patronage of new schools. The criteria used in deciding on the patronage of new schools place a particular emphasis on parental patronage and language preferences and an analysis of existing provision in the areas where the schools are being established. This approach is underpinned by a 2011 Government Decision.
There are 2 projects in the Dundalk school planning area and when completed, will cater for the demand for school places in the area:
De La Salle College (Roll number 6389IT) (Stage 2a -involves the Preliminary Design, site surveys and cost estimates) 2x Special Educational Needs classrooms, 2x mainstream classrooms and 1x DCG classroom. The Stage 2b report has been received by the Department from school authorities and is currently being reviewed.
St Vincents Secondary School (Roll number 63900R) (Stage 2b - is the developed design & lodgement of planning permission) 3x mainstream classrooms 3x Science Labs and 1x prep area, 1x Technology classroom & prep area, 1x DCG classroom, 1x Multimedia classroom, 1 Special Education tuition room, 5x Special Education Needs classrooms plus ancillary accommodation
The Department will continue to liaise with Local Authorities 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.
