Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason two schools (details supplied) in County Meath are not listed as part of the school building programme 2012-2016. [16142/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware of the demographic challenges that we are facing. Total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by almost 70,000 between now and 2018 - over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary - and will continue to grow up to at least 2024 at post-primary level. For purposes of the 5 Year Plan, new school building projects as well as major extensions have been identified and prioritised on the basis of meeting significant demographic needs in areas where such needs have been identified. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the projects for the schools referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. My Department will be in communication with the schools concerned in relation to the next steps to be taken, at the appropriate time, as the projects progress through the design stages of the architectural planning process up to and including the preparation of tender documents. Details of all projects in respect of the current school building programme, including these projects, are available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason two schools (details supplied) in County Louth are not listed as part of the school building programme 2012-2016 [16143/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet the demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme announced recently is focused on meeting those demographic needs. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently.

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on Stage 2(b) of Architectural Planning which includes securing Planning Permission, Fire Certificate and Disability Access Certificate (DAC) and the preparation of tender documents.

School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available.

However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to progress this project to tender and construction at this time.