Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if the Knocklyon area of County Dublin has been included in the 40 locations of highest population growth in which school accommodation requirements are being examined; and if it has been included, is that assessment complete and the result of same. [32236/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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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 indicated that the requirement for additional primary provision in the short to medium term is likely to be greatest in more than 40 identified locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. Knocklyon was not included in these initial identified areas.

The most recent projections used by my Department would see the projected enrolments at primary level increase from the current total enrolment of circa 505,600 pupils to an expected enrolment circa 563,300 pupils by the year 2016. Meeting this level of significant increased demand for education services will be a major challenge.

It is within this context that the Forward Planning Section of my Department will continue to analyse demographic trends to determine the level of additional provision which will be required into the future. Overall requirements in the Knocklyon area will be considered in this context.

The progression of all large scale building projects arising from Forward Planning Section's analysis will be considered in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.