Site Acquisitions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2005

Tuesday, 8 March 2005

Questions (352)

Seán Haughey

Question:

397 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if the OPW has purchased a site in Coolock, acting on behalf of her Department, to accommodate a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if this site is specifically designated for this school; if other alternatives for providing suitable accommodation for this school are under consideration; when the analysis of the overall future provision of primary education in this general area will be finalised and the broader examination completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7581/05]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The property management section of the Office for Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department on site acquisitions generally, has identified a site, which could provide for the long-term accommodation requirements of the school in question, and is now awaiting receipt of draft contracts.

My Department is also looking at another option which could offer a better value for money solution for the school's long term accommodation needs. This option includes an overall review of primary educational infrastructure in the area in question, the likely demand for primary school places in the medium to long term, and how existing provision can be maximised to cater for this demand. This review, which will be completed as quickly as possible, will inform any future decisions on how to resolve the accommodation needs of the school referred to by the Deputy.