Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
638. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 494 of 27 January 2026, the specific number of additional school places that will be created at a school (details supplied) following the completion of the current major project; the current number of students enrolled in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10327/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe large scale project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 4 – Construction.
The project brief for the Major Project includes the Demolition of the existing school and the phased construction of a three storey 1,000 pupil Community School with Special Education Needs Unit and PE Hall.
Works commenced onsite August 2024, and the project has an estimated contract duration of 36 months, with completion of Phase 1 expected in Quarter 1 2026. The current enrolment is circa 998.
My department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. The availability of places is a matter for each individual school in the context of their Admissions legislation. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Furthermore, the data sharing arrangements that were in place for the 2025/26 admissions process have been put in place again for the 2026/27 admissions process in school planning areas that are experiencing enrolment pressures, including Newcastle_Rathcoole.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools, and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result, there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. However, similar to previous years, my department will continue to work closely with patrons and schools in order to ensure that all pupils Newcastle_Rathcoole will receive an offer of a school place.
