Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
661. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will allocate an additional class to a school (details supplied) given the number of students in the area still awaiting a school place for the upcoming academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12347/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 of mine.
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.
My department is aware of enrolment pressures at primary level in Leixlip school planning area for the 2026/27 school year. As the Deputy will be aware, an additional junior infant class was sanctioned by my Department at Scoil Bhríde for September 2026. An additional class is not being advanced at present at the school referred by the Deputy, as the overall projected demographics of the Leixlip school planning area does not warrant expansion at both schools, and the required accommodation would entail the repurposing of existing support spaces.
While the department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in some areas, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
• Duplication of applications
• School of choice
• Single sex schools
• External draw
Notwithstanding the above, in some areas demographic pressures and other factors are driving a requirement for additional school places.
I wish to advise the Deputy that department officials have been in contact with primary schools in the Leixlip school planning area and have requested admissions data for September 2026 to be submitted for further analysis. My department will ensure that there are sufficient school places available and will put any required solutions in place. Families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one.
