Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 394: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the school building programme in the primary sector in New Ross; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27333/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action that is being taken on the amalgamation of the primary schools in New Ross town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27334/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 395 together.

The Deputy is aware that it is proposed to rationalise the primary educational provision in New Ross. There is general agreement locally to this development.

Architectural assessments have recently been carried out on all four primary schools to determine which, if any, would be suitable to act as hosts for the proposed rationalisation. These assessments will enable my Department to take a view on how infrastructure can be developed to facilitate its proposals. In addition, the local authority has agreed to provide my Department with updated demographics on the area so that an informed decision can be taken on school sizes. When these matters have been resolved, my Department will move to address the issue of enrolment polices for the proposed school re-configuration. On finalisation of this issue, any required building works can be considered for inclusion in a school building programme. Any such projects will attract a high priority band 1.4 rating which applies to projects to facilitate amalgamations.