316. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth the projected demand for post-primary school places in County Wicklow for each of the next five years; and the additional places currently in development. [67135/26]

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, as much as possible, is 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

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.

My department uses geocoded enrolment and child benefit data to carryout granular analysis of the current and projected future population of school going children at a town / settlement level. This informs my department of the current demographic profile of an area and zero migration future population projections.

In addition to the Department’s longer-term planning for school infrastructure, an annual school capacity management process is undertaken to ensure that sufficient school places are available to meet demand each year at both primary and post-primary level, including for children and young people with special educational needs.

This process involves ongoing analysis of enrolment trends, demographic data and projected intake at school planning area level, as well as direct engagement with schools, patrons and management bodies. Each school planning area is kept under review on an ongoing basis, with particular regard to projected pupil intake, existing school capacity and emerging enrolment pressures.

Where potential capacity pressures are identified, the Department engages directly with the relevant schools and patrons, including through data-sharing arrangements where appropriate, to better understand application patterns and overlapping demand. This supports timely interventions to ensure sufficient school places are available for the forthcoming school year.

The school planning areas (SPA) within County Wicklow are Blessington, Bray, Greystones, Kilcoole, Wicklow, Rathdrum, Dunlavin, Castledermot, Baltinglas, Hacketstown, Arklow, Tullow and Carnew.

Analysis conducted indicates that the primary school going population for all SPA in County Wicklow is projected to decrease out to 2030.

At post-primary level the population projection out to 2038 indicates a slight increase in population in 5 SPA (Kilcoole, Wicklow, Rathdrum, Dunlavin and Baltinglass). The population trend is remaining steady in 6 SPA (Blessington, Bray, Greystones, Hacketstown, Castledermot and Carnew). The population trend is decreasing in 2 SPA (Arklow and Tullow). These projections are developed using the current demographic of pre school and school going children and young people living in these SPAs plus the impact of internal migration due to the completion of a total c. 2,000 new houses every year across all the SPAs.

The NDP Implementation Plan for the education and youth sector 2026-2030 was published in January 2026. This NDP Implementation Plan includes a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity across the school estate and also ensuring that school admissions policies and processes are targeted at meeting local mainstream and special class requirements. Available funding must be prioritised where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.

Since 2020, the Department of Education has provided over €299 million in capital funding for Wicklow schools. Over this period, a total of 52 schools have been upgraded through provision of either a new school building, extension, modular accommodation or climate pathfinder projects.

3 school projects to go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027 were included in the NDP Implementation Plan.

There are currently 9 large-scale, extension, modular or climate pathfinder projects in Wicklow under construction.

There are also 6 projects underway through the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.

In addition, since 2020 a total of 79 special classes have been sanctioned in Wicklow, of which 16 were sanctioned for September 2026.

Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme 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 Wicklow County 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 including those in Wicklow.