The Tánaiste has agreed to liaise directly with Louth TD Deputy Erin McGreehan regarding ongoing pressures on school accommodation across County Louth.
Deputy McGreehan raised the issue during a debate in the Dáil last week, highlighting the growing challenges faced by local schools as a result of rapid population growth and increased housing development in the county.
During her contribution, Deputy McGreehan referenced two schools she has recently visited, St Mochta’s National School in Louth Village and Monksland National School in Cooley. She outlined the difficulties being experienced by school communities as they attempt to accommodate rising enrolment numbers.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy McGreehan said she has engaged with many principals and school communities across the county and noted that classrooms in some schools are now operating in spaces that were never intended for teaching or learning.
Deputy McGreehan also referred to a response she received from the Department of Education, which she did not find satisfactory, as she believes school accommodation planning is not aligned with housing commencements.
“We are building in County Louth at unprecedented rates. Housing development is accelerating and we must now look ahead to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place to meet these growing demands,” she said.
In response, the Tánaiste acknowledged that the concerns raised were valid and noted that similar pressures are being experienced in other parts of the country, including within his own constituency. He highlighted that while demographic changes are not uniform nationwide, population growth remains particularly strong along the east coast.
The Tánaiste agreed that a more detailed and localised approach to data is required, including analysis at county level and within specific areas of counties.
He also referenced the recently announced first tranche of the education capital programme, noting that it does not represent the final allocation.
“The Deputy will know that the Minister has announced tranche one of the capital programme. It is not the final word. We do intend to fund many more education projects and I am happy to liaise directly with the Deputy on this matter,” the Tánaiste said.
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
ENDS
