My department has a robust forward planning process which considers population and enrolment data.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, where possible, is by 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
New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth, as the resources available for school infrastructure must be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase to ensure that every child has a school place.
My department conducts demographic analysis at both school planning area and settlement level. More granular analysis is carried out in areas encompassing both high growth urban settlement areas and a more rural hinterland.
The figure referred to by the deputy relates to a potential deficit in the area if an Irish Medium Post Primary school was located in the area as this model of school would draw pupils from a wider area. However, this doesn’t apply in the school planning area of Newcastle_Rathcoole.
The current enrolment of the two post primary schools in the Newcastle_Rathcoole represents 88% of the post primary school going population of the area. Post Primary school pupils living in this area attend post primary schools in other areas, also, such Tallaght and Celbridge. The demand for post primary places in this area is projected to increase in the coming years. There are capital projects, at construction, for both of these post primary schools, which will provide additional capacity, over 40% above the existing enrolment levels. This additional capacity will cater for the projected increased demand.
The building project for Coláiste Pobail Fóla is being delivered under my department’s Design and Build Programme. On completion, this campus project will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including 6 classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms for children with special educational needs on the ETB-owned site at Fortunestown Lane.
The project is currently at Stage 4 - Construction. Works are progressing on site, with the project being delivered on a phased basis. The first phase, which includes the primary school and phase 1 of the post primary school, is expected to be completed in quarter 2 2026. The remaining phases of the post primary school are expected to be completed in 2027 and 2028 respectively.
My department will continue to liaise with the school and its patron body in relation to interim accommodation needs pending the delivery of the permanent school.
The large-scale project at Holy Family Community School Rathcoole includes the demolition of the existing school and the phased construction of a three storey 1,300 pupil community school with special education needs unit and PE hall.
The major building project for the school referred to is currently at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 4 – Construction.
This project is being delivered as part of the departments Traditional Programme.
Works commenced onsite August 2024 and is progressing well. Phase 1 was completed in February 2026 and is now occupied by the school. Phase 2 commenced in March 2026, and Phase 3 is expected to begin in Quarter 1 2027, with expected substantial completion in quarter 4 2027.
My department is satisfied that the delivery of these two projects will generate enough capacity to cater for all pupils living in the area.
My department will continue to liaise with South Dublin County Council in respect of their County Development Plan and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas.
Zero migration projections form part of the overall demand projection model, as a baseline population profile. Full school place demand projections include for internal migration, informed by projected levels of housing completions.
