James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans to address the growing demand for second level school places in Swords, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26023/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Department has carried out an extensive study on educational requirements for Swords for the medium to long term. This study has been formalised and included in the "Draft Area Development Plan for North Dublin, East Meath and South Louth" which was published in January 2007. The Commission on School Accommodation has completed a public consultation process on foot of this draft Plan and is currently finalising its report which will also be published. The recommendations in the final Report will be used to inform capital investment decisions in the areas covered including Swords for the foreseeable future.

There is no doubt that additional post primary places will be needed in the coming years in the area concerned and the Department is already taking action under the Fingal School Model process to ensure that these will be delivered commensurate with the need. In the meantime, the Department is satisfied that, between them, the four existing post primary schools have adequate provision to cater for current demand.