Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
1375. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of new post primary schools that have been opened in County Meath for the years 2010 to 2025 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25258/26]
View answerIn 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.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the 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. 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.
I wish to advise the Deputy, five new post-primary schools opened in County Meath between the years of 2010 to 2025.
