David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the research or investigations conducted into the need to provide additional schools and classrooms in the Midleton and east Cork area at both primary and second level in the coming years; the action he has taken or plans to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44145/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Forward Planning Section of my Department utilises the latest in GIS technology to assist in planning school requirements in the future. The Geographical Information System contains information on all schools in the country, primary and post primary level, geo-coded to their location. The information is then linked to the relevant demographic information for those areas - typically the demographic information will be from the Central Statistic's Office Census data, the General Registrar of Births, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, An Post's Geo-directory and information supplied by Local Authorities through Development Plans.

Growth projection figures are applied to the existing population with a view to assessing future requirements and areas of highest growth at primary and post-primary level.

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.

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 over 40 locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. Midleton/Carrigtwohill is one of those locations.

Following this analysis, decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within the area.

Any proposed building projects will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give a more indicative timeframe for the delivery of the projects at this time.