Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 391: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a second level gaelscoil serving counties Louth, Meath and north County Dublin. [16548/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Given the increase in the birth rate in recent years the initial focus of this analysis is on primary school accommodation requirements and this will be followed by a more detailed analysis of post-primary accommodation requirements.

When the required reports have been completed for these initial identified areas the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall school accommodation requirements in Louth, Meath and North County Dublin, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this regard. In addition to this detailed analysis of accommodation needs currently being carried out by Forward Planning Section, the Department is also currently examining a number of broad policy issues regarding the establishment of new post-primary schools. As part of this, consideration is being given to the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second level schools and their patronage.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 392: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed new school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16549/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Given the increase in the birth rate in recent years the initial focus of this analysis is on primary school accommodation requirements and this will be followed by a more detailed analysis of post-primary accommodation requirements.

When the required reports have been completed for these initial identified areas the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall school accommodation requirements in the area referred to by the Deputy, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this regard.

In addition to this detailed analysis of accommodation needs currently being carried out by Forward Planning Section, the Department is also currently examining a number of broad policy issues regarding the establishment of new post-primary schools. As part of this, consideration is being given to the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second level schools and their patronage.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 393: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of permanent accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16550/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A project to provide permanent accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers involves the acquisition of a site. The progression of a project from site acquisition and 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 Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project for the school at this time.