Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
133. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding school planning for Knocknacarra County Galway; if consideration is being given to providing a new secondary school for the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22915/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that requirement for school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity.
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.
Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, my department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from local authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
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. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post primary schools, new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600-1,000 students and must be co-educational.
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.
Following demographic analysis there are no plans to develop a new post primary school in Knocknacarra, County Galway. However, the department is investing in post primary schools elsewhere in Galway City which are providing capacity for children and young people living in the Knocknacarra area.
Since 2020 the Department of Education and Youth has provided €254.22million in capital funding for Galway schools. Over this period, a total of 88 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are currently 14 school projects in Galway under construction. Another 10 school projects will go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027, and this summer, 20 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Summer Works Scheme / Climate Action scheme. In addition, since 2020 a total of 92 special classes have been opened in Galway, 14 of which were sanctioned for September 2026.
Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme in these areas may be viewed on my department's website at www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The department will continue to liaise with Galway City Council in respect of their county development plans and any associated local area plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas.
