Dáil Éireann - Volume 622 - 29 June, 2006

Written Answers. - School Enrolments.

Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the figures for the enrolment for each of the past three years for second level schools (details supplied) in the Dublin 15 area; the payments made in each of the past three years by her Department in respect of each of the schools for teachers and other staffing costs, for capitation or other assistance to the overall running of the school and capital expenditure for each school for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25383/06]

  Ms Hanafin: The enrolments for the second levels schools referred to by the Deputy are as follows. The remainder of the information requested is not readily available but will be compiled and forwarded to the Deputy.

School Name

Year

Total Enrolled

Blakestown Community School

2002/03

648

(Roll Number 91316Q)

2003/04

545

2004/05

540

Coolmine Community School

2002/03

1,050

(Roll Number 91315O)

2003/04

1,100

2004/05

1,112

Castleknock Community College

2002/03

1,080

(Roll Number 76062B)

2003/04

1,133

2004/05

1,144

Castleknock College

2002/03

560

(Roll No. 60100Q)

2003/04

578

2004/05

575

Hartstown Community School

2002/03

1,003

(Roll No. 91339F)

2003/04

1,036

2004/05

1,025

Riversdale Community School

2002/03

481

(Roll No. 70081V)

2003/04

434

2004/05

452

Mount Sackville

2002/03

635

(Roll No. 60120W)

2003/04

627

2004/05

630

[1767] Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science her Department’s policy in relation to second level school sizes and the maximum appropriate size for second level schools; if her Department has made approaches to schools (details supplied) with a view to increasing the number of pupils in each school; the position in relation to further growth in school numbers given the huge demand for second level school places in the Dublin 15 area; if her Department has commissioned work in relation to planning for second level school numbers in the Dublin 15 area in view of the growth of house building in the area and the growth in population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25384/06]

  Ms Hanafin: In general my Department seeks to maximise the use of school sites at primary and post primary level to cater for demand presenting in any particular area. To this end, where site conditions allow and with the agreement of the trustees, post primary schools to cater for up to 1,000 pupils are provided in areas where the population profile justifies this level of accommodation.

The enrolment at the specific schools to which the Deputy refers slightly exceeds 1,000 pupils. No approach has been made by my Department to either of these schools regarding further expansion. With regard to post primary provision in the Dublin 15 area, the Deputy will be aware that plans for a new post primary school in the Phibblestown area are at an advanced stage and, in view of the expanding population, the provision of a further post primary school in the area is currently under consideration.