Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of primary level school placements required for the next five years in the Kilcock area of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40650/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of second level school placements required for the next five years in the Kilcock area of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40651/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 and 523 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, following widespread local consultation undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation, the Area Development Plan for the N4/M4 corridor was published in May 2005. This plan outlines the Department's long-term educational strategy at both primary and post-primary level for this area which included Kilcock. The recommendations in the plan are being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation programme from 2007 onwards subject to the prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects.

It is open to the school authorities of the schools in Kilcock to apply for temporary accommodation to offset any immediate short-term accommodation needs.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 524: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of second level school placements required for the next five years in the Clane area of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40652/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of primary level school placements required for the next five years in the Clane area of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40653/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 524 and 525 together.

I am aware that Clane, like many areas are experiencing population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. However, measures have been undertaken by my Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in this area.

At primary level, it has been determined that Scoil Pádraig requires to be developed into a 24 classroom facility (a three stream school) with appropriate ancillary accommodation. This has been agreed with the school authority. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and it has been assigned a Band 2 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

At post primary level, there is currently no application from Scoil Mhuire Community School for additional accommodation. It is open to the school authorities of the schools in Clane to apply for temporary accommodation to offset any immediate short-term accommodation needs. The School Planning Section of my Department will keep the position under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of primary level school placements required for the next five years in the Naas, Sallins and Kill areas of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40654/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 527: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of second level school placements required for the next five years in the Naas, Sallins and Kill areas of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40655/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 527 together.

I am aware that Sallins, Naas, and Kill , like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continue to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. However, a range of significant measures has been undertaken by the Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in these areas.

At primary level, an entire new school has been provided at Killashee. In addition, a brand new 16 classroom school together with temporary accommodation has been provided at Scoil Corbain, St. Conleth's & St. Mary's NS and St. Conleth's Naofa in Naas. Temporary accommodation has also been provided at one of the two nearby national schools at Caragh. On top of this, approval has been given to Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh, Caragh NS and Kill NS for additional accommodation for September 2006. Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh has recently been approved to commence architectural planning for the provision of a new 16-classroom school.

At Sallins National School, a seven classrooms extension is completed and this extension has increased capacity from 9 classrooms to 16 classrooms. An extension to bring the school up to 24 classrooms has commenced architectural planning.

These are practical examples of the extent of the extra provision being made in terms of additional school places throughout the area. These and many other initiatives represent huge capital investment and demonstrate the commitment to meeting the needs of the area concerned. The School Planning Section of the Department will keep the position under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.