Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 573: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will assist a school (details supplied) in County Louth in the provision of first year places in view of the large number of disappointed applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4261/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school in County Louth to which the Deputy refers made an application for an extension in 2006.

An assessment of projected enrolments, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will need to be carried out to ensure that any capital funding provided will deliver accommodation appropriate to the school's future needs. When the long-term projected enrolment has been finalised and agreed with the school authorities, my Department will draw up schedules of accommodation for the project which will be notified to the school management authority. The project will then be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Pending the completion of this assessment, it is open to the school authorities to contact my Department with regard to any immediate shortage of accommodation to cater for its needs. To date, no requests have been made to my Department from the school authorities for additional accommodation to cater for 1st year students looking for places for the 2009/10 school year.