54. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether any new Irish-medium schools are planned for Donegal for the period 2026 to 2031; and her plans to keep up with the demand for Irish-medium schools in Donegal. [74557/26]

My department establishes new school entities on the basis of identified demographic demand for school places. Demographic requirements in an area determine the need or otherwise for establishing new schools, and the resources available for school infrastructure must be prioritised to meet the needs of areas experiencing significant population growth so as to ensure that every child has access to a school place. Based on current demographic analysis, there are no new school entities currently being established, either Irish-medium or English-medium, in County Donegal. This position is kept under ongoing review by my department.

In planning for school provision, my department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system informed by a range of data sources, including Census data, child benefit records, school enrolment trends, residential planning and construction activity, and engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. This enables my department to identify current and future demand for school places and to ensure that school infrastructure planning keeps pace with demographic change.

Where additional capacity is required, this may be provided through the use of existing capacity within schools, the extension of existing schools, or, where warranted by demographic need, the establishment of a new school. In general, my department seeks to meet emerging demand through the expansion of existing schools wherever possible.

The Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, includes a commitment to establish Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí where there is demand and to support parents choosing Irish-medium education for their children.

In November 2025, my department published a Policy for Irish-medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht and established a Taskforce on Models of Provision for Irish-medium Education. The role of the Taskforce is to provide a platform for collaboration between my department and key stakeholders to develop a pathway for increasing the provision of Irish-medium education nationally.

The Taskforce is examining a range of issues relating to the future development of Irish-medium education, including criteria for new Irish-medium provision, supports for schools transitioning to Irish-medium education, and mechanisms to facilitate expansion of provision. Its work is expected to conclude by the end of this year and will inform future policy development in this area.

My department will continue to monitor demographic trends and liaise with Donegal County Council in relation to its County Development Plan and associated local area plans, with a view to identifying any future school accommodation requirements in County Donegal.