Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 732: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the latest projected costs for new schools in developing areas originally announced on 1 February, 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28980/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits my Department to establishing a Developing Areas Unit to liaise with local authorities, identify where new schools are needed and ensure that they are delivered in the fastest possible timeframe.

In terms of its work programme for 2008, the Developing Areas Unit is advancing the delivery of projects in locations which have been identified as areas of rapid population growth. These projects consist of 26 new primary school buildings and a number of other smaller projects, of various sizes, to meet demand in developing areas.

It is anticipated that the total cost of the school building projects in developing areas will be in the region of €100m, excluding sites.