The project to which the Deputy refers was one of 25 that I announced would commence architectural planning in February 2009. Since then, my officials have prepared detailed drawings and the local authority facilitated a number of preplanning meetings prior to the lodgement of a planning application. Following the preplanning meetings, my Department addressed the issues raised by the local authority and submitted a planning application for the new school. The local authority subsequently issued an additional information request, which raised some new issues. My Department responded to the additional information request in full. I understand the local authority has recently issued a further additional information request raising further issues. My officials are currently preparing a response to this second additional information request.
Any decision to progress this project is contingent, among other things, on the receipt of the necessary statutory approvals and the completion by the school patron of the acquisition of the site for the proposed new school building.
When a decision regarding planning permission is made, my Department will examine the implications for the project. The progression of the project to construction will be given further consideration at that point. My Department will continue to liaise with the patron and the school authorities regarding the proposed project.