Schools pushed to limit by baby boomers [independent.ie]
- Published: 19 May 2009
Source: independent.ie
By John Walshe Education Editor
Tuesday May 19 2009
Ireland's baby boom is putting the school system under severe strain as school enrolments continue to rise.
New schools will be needed from next year to cope with the explosion in pupil numbers, a study commissioned by the Department of Education and Science has concluded.
Latest figures show the number of births last year soared to 72,000, compared with a low of 48,255 15 years ago.
The jump means the primary school-going population will remain over the half-million mark for the foreseeable future.
Nine years ago, it had dropped to below 440,000 but the spurt in growth began in 2005 when enrolments jumped to 457,889 and have been increasing steadily since.
The increase will eventually work its way through to second level where a rise of 51,500 pupils is expected by 2016. This could mean, in theory, that up to 51 new post-primary schools will be needed, but some pupils will be accommodated in existing schools.
The study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
The main drivers of enrolments at primary level are birth rates and the extent of both internal and inward migration.
Migration
A spokesman for the department said its Geographical Information System used the latest technology to help plan the location of schools in the future.
"Colour-coded maps show where the most pressing demand for places will be, so that we can more accurately plan for future accommodation needs based on identified demographic trends," he added.
He said the Government was prioritising the schools capital programme, which this year amounted to a record €610m, compared with a spend last year of €586m.
But INTO general secretary John Carr said the new figures showed the scale of the task facing the department. "The birth rate has increased by more than 40pc in recent years. This means additional schools, classrooms and teachers will have to be provided. The department will have to streamline procedures. Timeframes for the delivery of new schools and classrooms must be shortened.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe announced that, for the first time, universities will benefit from a small-scale buildings works scheme worth €40m this year. Until now, the scheme was confined to institutes of technology.
The scope of works under the scheme has been broadened to cover the upgrade of information communications technology and investment in science facilities.
- John Walshe Education Editor
