However, it is understood issues which have arisen with some parties to the process have delayed the exercise.
The announcement of a new primary school to be opened in Dublin 4 in the short-term, means prospective patrons are now being asked instead if they wish to take over a school in the Ballyfermot/Chapelizod/Palme-rstown area.
The Irish Examiner has also learned at least five groups have expressed interest in becoming patrons of new schools in some or most of the 43 areas already identified, in the event there is parental demand for change.
They include established patrons: City and county VECs in the relevant areas, the multi-denominational schools group Educate Together, and all-Irish schools’ patron An Foras Pátrúnachta.
Interest has also been expressed by Nigerian-founded church the Redeemed Christian Church of God, which applied unsuccessfully last year to become patron in three areas of Dublin where new primary schools are planned.
The National Learning Network has also sought to become a patron.
The applicant patrons will be banned from doing leaflet drops under a Department of Education code aimed at ensuring a level playing field.
A spokesperson for the department said details of the survey process and where they will be carried out will be announced later this month.
In each area, the parents of all primary pupils and those with children not yet at school will be asked if they are satisfied with current choices of schools and, if not, which of the patrons interested in taking over a school in their area they would prefer.
The areas include 12 in the Dublin Catholic archdiocese, and four each in Tuam, Killaloe, and Waterford & Lismore.
There are three areas each in the Cloyne and Cork & Ross dioceses.