Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the stage at which the plans are for the new schools that have been announced for County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34832/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in June of this year I announced that 20 new primary schools and 20 new post-primary schools would be established over the next few years. Of these new schools, two are primary schools to be established in County Meath - both in Ashbourne, and two are post-primary schools to be established in County Meath - one in Ashbourne and one in Navan.

The first of the new primary schools in Ashbourne opened in September 2011, under the patronage of An Foras Patrúnachta. The second new primary school for Ashbourne is scheduled to open in September 2012, and will be under the patronage of Educate Together. My Department is looking at site options to provide longer-term accommodation for both of these schools. Applications for patronage of the new second level schools have been sought by my Department from prospective patrons. The closing date for receipt of applications is 13 January 2012. My Department will prepare a report on these applications for the consideration of the New Schools Establishment Group who will submit a report to me for final consideration and decision. My Department is looking at options for providing both start-up and longer-term accommodation for both of these new schools.