Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 671: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the building of the new second level school in Kingscourt, County Cavan, will commence; the number of pupils the new school will facilitate; if the cost of same is included in his Department's 2009 budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15336/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, I have given approval in principle for the establishment of a new post-primary school in Kingscourt.

An examination of the demographics and projected pupil numbers would indicate that a facility for between 300 and 400 pupil places would be sustainable in the medium term.

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 further progression of the project at this time.

The Deputy will be aware that in February, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction and 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning.

The project to which the Deputy refers was not included in this announcement. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed in 2009.