As the Deputy will be aware, in March 2011 approval was given for a number of new primary schools to commence operation in September 2011 and 2012 to cater for demographic needs. To cater for the demographic demand in the Ashbourne area, approval was granted to open two new primary schools, one under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta which commenced operation in September 2011, and the second under the patronage of Educate Together which commenced operation in September 2012.
The 5 Year Construction Programme that I announced in March 2012, together with my recent announcement of the 50 school projects which are scheduled for construction in the current year as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme, outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan (2012-2016). Three of these projects, two primary schools and one post-primary school are located in Ashbourne.My officials have been in direct contact with the existing primary schools in Ashbourne regarding the availability of primary school accommodation in the area for September 2013. My Department will be in further contact with these schools on this matter shortly.