Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1637 of 27 January 2009, if the forward planning section has completed its identification process; and if a Gaelcoláiste for north Kildare is included in its recommendations of new schools required. [14947/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Forward Planning Section of my Department is still in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards. 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.

Post-primary accommodation requirements in the North Kildare area, and any subsequent issues which may arise, such as the need for a new Gaelcholáiste will be considered in this regard.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 145: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to resolve the accommodation crisis at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that applications for places for September 2009 are in excess of the places currently available. [14956/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which he refers. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

It is open to the school authorities to apply to my Department, in the meantime, for the provision of temporary accommodation to meet its immediate accommodation needs if this is deemed necessary.