Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right. We operate school planning areas. There are 314 of them in the country, and we also have a GIS system that has particular information from the CSO. This is for future planning. We also engage with the local authority, and the Deputy is right that it will be cognisant of where there are existing or, more importantly, where there will be future housing developments. There is strong engagement there.

The indications from the studies of the Carrick-on-Shannon school planning area are that enrolments peaked in 2022, at more than 1,193 pupils. This figure is projected to fall to 1,030 by 2028. Notwithstanding this, I recognise the case being made and the work the school does every single day. I think the next engagement with the patron will be an important one as we seek to find a way forward.

See this speech in context