Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20427/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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A Notification of Intention to apply for recognition of a new primary school in the Athlone area has been received from the Patron Body for Educate Together.

I have recently announced a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools under the Commission on School Accommodation. It is expected that the review of procedures for recognising primary schools will be completed and revised arrangements will be in place within a two year time frame.

In the interim it is not proposed to recognise any new primary schools, except in areas where the increases in pupils numbers cannot be catered for in existing schools and which require the provision of new schools. This means that new schools will not be established for reasons unrelated to demographic growth in areas where there is already sufficient school accommodation or where increases can be catered for by extending existing school accommodation.

The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards and Athlone will be included in this process. 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.