Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the intentions to meet the accommodation requirements as set out by the various school authorities at primary and second level throughout the country in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20226/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Initial work on establishing and assigning dedicated staff to a Developing Areas Unit began in the latter part of 2007 and it is now fully operational. In terms of its work programme for 2008, the Developing Areas Unit is advancing the delivery of 30 new primary schools which are planned to be in place for September 2008. These projects are being delivered in areas which have been identified as areas of rapid population growth. To deliver its 2008 programme, the Developing Areas Unit has been working closely with relevant Local Authorities on the acquisition of sites and on general preplanning issues.

The Forward Planning Section of the Department is identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be needed for 2009 and onwards. This is also being done in close consultation with local authorities. Forward Planning Section's findings will feed into the Developing Areas Unit for further action. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.

If schools feel that they do not have sufficient places to meet demand they should contact my Department without delay, so that the situation can be examined as to how best to provide whatever additional capacity is required. My Department is satisfied that the approach which it is now taking to the identification and delivery of extra school places particularly in rapidly developing areas will, subject to the availability of funding, ensure that those places will be provided when and where they are needed.