Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the reopening of a primary school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; her views on the need for a school in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35709/10]

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 area referred to by the Deputy have been considered as part of this study and initial analysis indicates there will be no requirement for significant additional accommodation in the short to medium term. It is not envisaged that the school referred to will be re-opened.

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for building works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when she expects a decision to be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35710/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.4 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie. The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on the Department's website. 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 the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary which has applied for major capital funding; the timeframe for completion of works; the works to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35713/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 3.1 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie. The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on the Department's website. 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 the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made in relation to building works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35714/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is currently out to tender. When the tender report is received and assuming that there are no issues arising, the project will progress to construction.