Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2009
390 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in north Kildare at primary level recorded with accommodation insufficient to the needs based on enrolments; his plans to address this issue in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44481/09]
View answer391 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in north Kildare at second level recorded with accommodation insufficient to the needs based on enrolments; his plans to address this issue in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44482/09]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social & Family Affairs in addition to recent schools' enrolment data.
The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in a total of 42 locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. The North Kildare area is included in these locations.
Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out an analysis of each of the identified priority locations to establish the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Following this analysis, decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area including North Kildare.
In the interim, it is open to any school authority to apply for temporary accommodation to meet any needs they may have in the intervening period.
392 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, a long time applicant for permanent classroom accommodation, have been overlooked; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44483/09]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, I announced in February 2009 that the project to which he refers would proceed to tender and construction.
The Stage 2b (i.e. detailed design) submission has recently been approved and the project has been pre-qualified. Once confirmation is received from the Board of Management and their Design Team that everything is in order the project will be authorised proceed to tender.
