There are not enough school places across County Kildare
It's doesn't keep pace with population growth
A shortage of school places across County Kildare is causing extreme frustration for partners.
A number of politicians in the county have asked that information from the last census be used to “simplify the process of securing school places”.
Some 13 councillors from various parties as well as independents have asked Kildare County Council to assist with this .
Social Democrats councillor Aidan Farrelly said there is real concern because parents are being told that their children have no place in primary and second level schools.
School infrastructure is needed, he said, adding that the census would provide evidence and statistics to support the case for new schools.
“The concern is that this will only worsen," he said.
Cllr Peter Hamilton said it's a matter of extreme frustration while central government bears most of the responsibility “something is broken.”
Cllr Michael Coleman said three schools have children in prefabs and one, St Patrick’s Primary School, has had children in these structures since 2011.
Fine Gael Councillor Joe Neville commented: “We’re zoning for homes and not for schools.”
Fourteen children are without a school place in Ballymore Eustace and she pointed out that people with families are moving into the various parts of the county - but the thinking at government level is that the children have not yet arrived.
Kildare County Council official Alan Dunney said the provision of school places is the Department of Education's responsibility and it has a role to analyse population and enrolment trends as well as anticipating future demand.
He told a county council meeting that KCC engages with the department “on a regular and continuous basis.”
This includes school requirements and site identification and the council shares all information regarding population analysis and data with the department.
“It's expected that Census 2022 data will provide information on the numbers and profile of children and young people as well as the number of all current education providers,” said Mr Dunney.
He added this will be useful for future planning of education needs.