Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 623: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his plans to open a new school at a location (details supplied) in County Galway in September 2020; and if the patronage of this school has been determined. [3715/10]

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 more than 40 selected locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. Following from this detailed analysis it appears prudent to plan for the establishment of new schools to commence operation in September 2010 to meet increasing demand in up to nine identified areas. The area referred to by the Deputy has been identified as one of these areas.

This information has been circulated to all existing school Patrons who have been invited to bring forward proposals for the expansion of existing schools or indeed to put themselves forward as Patron for any new primary school, should it be required.

The requirement for the establishment of new schools will of course be lessened where it is possible to expand and extend existing schools in those areas. The progression of all large scale building projects will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 624: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the name, address and roll number of each primary and second level building projects that will be funded through the carryover of capital expenditure commitments from 2009; the allocation to each project and a brief description of each project; the name, address and roll number of all the primary and second level building projects which will be funded from the 2010 allocation; the allocation to each project for such new 2010 expenditure; if he will provide a brief description of each such project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3722/10]

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

As you are aware, a total of €79m of my Department's capital budget in 2009 is being carried forward to 2010. Of the total amount, €72m is being allocated to primary schools' capital and the remainder of €7m to my Department's Information & Communications Technology Policy area towards payment of capital grants to schools as I announced towards the end of last year. The €72m additional funding in primary schools' capital will primarily be used to cover expenditure on 57 primary school projects, as detailed in my response to you of 19th January 2010. In addition, the 21 post-primary school building projects, arising from my announcements last year, will be progressed to completion as soon as possible. I am currently in the process of reviewing the school building and modernisation programme with my officials in the context of the funds available for 2010 and I will be making a further announcement on the programme when that review has been completed.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 625: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the name and address of each capital building project to be built under the 2010 third level capital allocation following budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3723/10]

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

The allocation for higher education capital in 2010 is €141m The allocation will allow me to continue the programme of investment in upgrading and modernising undergraduate facilities at institutes of technology, universities and other colleges around the country. €46m of this allocation will be specifically targeted at research. In terms of mainstream projects my Department currently has exchequer funding committed to a number of large scale capital projects under construction. In addition, a number of major projects are at design stage and are expected to go to construction during 2010 subject to available resources. I am currently working with my officials to finalise the construction programme for 2010.