Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 613: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application for a devolved grant to build additional classrooms on a phased basis by way of a modular building for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of increased demands on the school due to an increase in population in the catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37163/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social & Family Affairs in addition to recent schools' enrolment data.

The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in a total of 42 locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. The locations involved include the area to which the Deputy refers.

Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis and reports for each of these locations in order to identify the school accommodation requirements for each area up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Decisions on how best to meet the accommodation needs of all of the areas concerned will be taken in this context.