I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, the Department of Education 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. Additionally, 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, the Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within that particular area and its ability to meet any increased demand. Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.
The Department is aware of pressures at post primary level in the Newcastle-Rathcoole School Planning Area in part due to the proposed reduction by Coláiste Pobail Fola in the number of first year places being made available for 2025/26. However, officials from my Department are liaising with school authorities in regards to increasing the number of first year places in the school for September 2025 and further clarification will be provided as a matter of urgency.
I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Newcastle-Rathcoole School Planning Area for the 2025/26 school year and into the future.
