Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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328. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number and location of applications for new school buildings, extensions or upgrading of existing school facilities received in his Department from primary or second level school authorities throughout County Kildare still awaiting sanction; the extent to which he anticipates being in a position to approve such applications over the next two to three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9694/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The current status of all projects, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year. The Deputy will be aware that the Five Year Construction Plan, that I announced on 9 March 2012, outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. The primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is focussed on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers.

Given the need to meet demographic growth, the delivery of new schools, together with extension projects, to meet future demand will be the main focus of the Department's budget for the coming years. In this context, it is not possible to indicate at this point when individual building projects will be progressed. My Department will however consider applications by schools for funding for additional classrooms where an immediate enrolment need is arising.