Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 392: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if plans for two new eight classroom primary schools for Gorey are going ahead in view of the fact that no mention was made of them in a newspaper report recently which listed 22 new primary schools due to open in September 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17209/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, a Developing Area unit was set up in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Gorey is one of the areas designated as a rapidly developing area and my announcement on 1 February last refers to projects commencing construction in 2008. Planning Permission has since been granted and this will allow for the commencement and construction of two 8 classroom schools for Gorey in 2008. The 22 new primary schools mentioned in a recent newspaper report that the Deputy refers to are in connection with the recognition of new primary schools by the New Schools Advisory Committee. Gorey was not mentioned on this list as the schools are already established.