Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
95. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the demographic trends used by her Department are adequately reflecting the pace of which housing is developing in Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40799/26]
View answerKildare is a county that has experienced significant residential development, and my department has responded with a strong programme of school building projects. Since 2020, €414.87 million in capital funding has been allocated to schools in Kildare. This investment has supported, and will continue to support, a substantial expansion of school capacity, with 55 schools upgraded through the provision of new buildings, large-scale extensions, or modular accommodation.
There are currently 14 school projects under construction in Kildare, with a further 12 projects scheduled to progress to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027. As part of our strong focus on special education provision in the county, one new special school has been established in Naas, with a further special school due to open in Monasterevin in September 2026. In addition, existing facilities have been upgraded, modernised and expanded to provide 92 additional localised special classes across the county, including 29 planned for September 2026.
My department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to analyse data from a range of sources, including CSO census data, Child Benefit data, school enrolment figures, residential development activity, and existing school capacity. This enables us to identify where pressure for school places is likely to arise, at a local level, and where additional accommodation is required.
Major new residential developments can significantly influence local demand for school places. In this context, our demographic demand analysis includes ongoing monitoring of enrolment trends, population data, and projected intakes at a local level, alongside direct engagement with schools, patrons and management bodies.
Furthermore, officials from my department engage regularly with Kildare County Council, the Land Development Agency (LDA), and other major residential developers to stay informed of planned housing developments. These engagements play an important role in informing the timing and scale of school provision required across the county.
