Site Acquisitions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2005

Wednesday, 11 May 2005

Questions (225)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

269 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on progress in securing a permanent location for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this school will have major overcrowding problems from September 2005; if she will honour the commitment given in 2002 in respect of the purchase of a suitable site which the school has identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15639/05]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The property management section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has identified a site which could provide for the long term accommodation needs of the school referred to by the Deputy. Negotiations are ongoing regarding the acquisition of this site. However, the building of a new school on a greenfield site is only one option being considered by my Department.

A second option, which could offer a better value for money solution, is being examined as part of an overall review of the primary educational infrastructure in the area where the school is located. The purpose of this review is to ascertain the likely demand for pupil places in the medium to long term and to ensure that existing provision is maximised to meet this demand. This review, which will be completed as quickly as possible, will inform any future decision on how best to resolve the accommodation needs of the school in question.