Site Acquisitions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 May 2008

Wednesday, 28 May 2008

Questions (200)

Jack Wall

Question:

263 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is within his remit to ensure that lands zoned by local authorities for the educational needs of its community can be purchased by his Department or any of its agencies that purchases such lands for his Department; if such agencies can compulsory purchase such lands for educational needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21239/08]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

In general, the Office of Public Works (OPW) procures sites on behalf of my Department. More recently, my Department has begun interacting directly with several local authorities in relation to acquiring sites, particularly in rapidly developing areas. The question of the use of Compulsory Purchase Order is a matter for the relevant local authority in the first instance.