Mixed picture for Wicklow secondary schools as some areas grow and others face declining enrolments
The Wicklow PeopleThe Department of Education has said that demand for post primary school places in County Wicklow is expected to remain largely stable over the coming years, with only modest increases forecast in several areas.
The information was provided by Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton in a written reply to a parliamentary question from Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore, who sought details on projected demand for secondary school places across the county over the next five years and the additional capacity currently being developed.
While the question asked for projected demand figures, the Department did not provide year-by-year enrolment forecasts.
Instead, it outlined broader demographic trends and described the measures being taken to ensure sufficient school accommodation is available as population patterns continue to evolve across Wicklow.
According to the Department, projections indicate that the primary school age population is expected to decline across all school planning areas in the county up to 2030.
However, the picture at post primary level is more mixed.
The Department’s analysis suggests there will be slight increases in the secondary school age population in the areas of Kilcoole, Wicklow town, Rathdrum, Dunlavin and Baltinglass.
Demand is expected to remain steady in Blessington, Bray, Greystones, Hacketstown, Castledermot and Carnew, while a decline is projected in Arklow and Tullow.
Officials said the projections are based on detailed analysis of current preschool and school age populations combined with expected migration resulting from ongoing housing development.
Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton visiting Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew, Co. Wicklow.
The Department noted that approximately 2,000 new homes are being completed each year across the various school planning areas that serve Wicklow communities.
The response highlights how education planners are increasingly relying on detailed demographic data to anticipate future demand.
The Department said it uses geocoded enrolment information and child benefit data to assess both current and future populations of school going children at town and settlement level.
Rather than creating new schools in areas where demand rises, the Department said its preferred approach is to expand existing schools wherever possible.
Officials argued that this approach aligns with broader government objectives under Project Ireland 2040, which promotes more compact and sustainable development patterns.
New schools, the minister said, are generally established only in areas experiencing substantial population growth where existing infrastructure cannot meet future needs.
To help meet future educational needs, the Department pointed to a substantial level of investment in school infrastructure throughout the county.
Since 2020, more than €299 million has been allocated to Wicklow schools through various capital funding programmes.
During that period, 52 schools have benefited from projects including new buildings, extensions, modular accommodation and climate focused upgrades.
The minister also confirmed that three additional school projects are expected to move to tender or construction stages during 2026 and 2027 under the government’s National Development Plan implementation programme.
At present, nine major school projects are under construction across Wicklow. A further six projects are progressing through the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme, which supports energy efficiency and sustainability improvements in schools.
The department has indicated it continue to liaise with Wicklow County Council in respect of their county development plans, and any associated local area plan with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements.