Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a school (details supplied) was not included under the CLÁR area in view of the fact that enrolment numbers have dropped from over 100 in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s to fewer than 70 in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31448/06]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the criteria behind the selection of schools to be included in CLÁR areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31449/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.

The CLÁR programme is a targeted investment programme for rural areas. Earlier this year, following a further analysis of the 2002 population census data, new areas were selected for inclusion in the Programme on the basis of average population loss in each county of not less than 35% between 1926 and 2002. Towns of 3,000 and over and their peri-urban areas are excluded, irrespective of county decline in population. The Programme now covers parts of 22 counties and all of Co. Leitrim and benefits a population of nearly 727,000.

In order for a school to be eligible for consideration under the School Outdoors Play Facilities Enhancement Scheme, it must be located in a District Electoral Division (DED) designated as a CLÁR area. The DED is confirmed by the Registrar of Electors at the local County Council. The school referred to by the Deputy is not located in a CLÁR area and it is, therefore, not eligible for consideration under the Programme.