Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the demographic pressures that exist in Midleton, County Cork regarding the provision of primary school education and, if so, if a plan has been drawn up by the Department to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34490/10]

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. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social Protection and with reference to recent schools' enrolment data. School accommodation requirements in the Midleton/Carrigtwohill area have been considered as part of this detailed study of the identified areas, which indicates that in the range of 38 additional primary classrooms may be required across that area to cater for increased enrolments up to the school year 2014/15.

My Department is considering options to meet the deficit identified. As part of this approach, as the Deputy will be aware, my Department is engaged in the process of acquiring a site subject to planning for a proposed educational campus of two 16 classroom schools. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.