Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the continued high demand for second level places in schools across north County Dublin, if there have been any changes in capacity to facilitate current demand. [43040/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department has identified a number of areas including North County Dublin where, due to demographic changes, it is projected that there will be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years.

In this context, I announced in June 2011 that 20 new primary and 20 new post primary schools are to be established nationally in the next six years to meet the needs of our growing population, including 4 new post primary schools in North County Dublin which will provide almost 4,000 additional post primary places. In addition to these new schools, it may be necessary to extend the capacity of many existing schools to meet the demand for increased pupil places. My Department will consider applications by schools for funding for additional classrooms, which schools may provide on a permanent basis, where an immediate enrolment need is arising.

The above developments are in addition to the 4 new post primary schools that have already been established in North County Dublin since 2008 i.e. Donabate Community College, Phibblestown Community College, Ardgillan Community College and Luttrellstown Community College. An additional 4,000 student places will be provided for in the area, once these schools are at full capacity.

My priority is to ensure that there is sufficient school accommodation to meet projected pupil enrolment increases into the future. The 5 Year Construction Plan that I announced on 9 March last as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. The current status of all projects on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.