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For Written Answer on : 15/06/2021
Question Number(s): 700 Question Reference(s): 30476/21
Department: Education
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION


To ask the Minister for Education if she is satisfied that the second-level schools in the Midleton and Carrigtwohill school planning area will be able to cater for the demand for first-year school places in September 2022 given that all schools have increased their numbers in recent years and are at capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional post-primary school places in a number of school planning areas including Midleton and Carrigtwohill.

Where capacity issues arise it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

  • Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
  • School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in  other schools in the town/area
  • Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
  • External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area


Until these issues are discussed with the relevant school authorities the true extent of any capacity issue will only become known.

Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department will be  engaging with patron bodies, including in the area in question, to identify particular capacity requirements for the 2022/23 year(s) which may necessitate action.

As the Deputy is aware, to assist in the process of providing additional second level places in Midleton and Carrigtwohill for 2021 the following measures have been taken to date:

  • Additional temporary accommodation has been approved for Carrigtwohill Community College for 2021/22 pending provision of their new permanent school.
  • Approved an extension to St. Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill to expand the school to cater for 1,000 pupils.