Schools Building Projects Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2015

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Questions (159)

Michael McGrath

Question:

159. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the promised delivery of two new prefabricated units at a school (details supplied) in County Cork to properly cater for the junior infants intake for the 2015-2016 school year; the steps being taken to provide further temporary accommodation for the planned intake of two junior infant classes for the 2016-2017 school year; the progress being made in securing a site for the promised permanent school building; the timeframe for the construction of this building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33943/15]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to inform the Deputy that under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites, my Department is working closely with Cork County Council towards acquiring a permanent site to meet the needs of the school to which the Deputy refers. Given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time. I can, however, assure you that the acquisition of a new site for the school is a priority for the Department and the patron body will be informed of the location for the school as soon as it is possible to do so. The school building project will be progressed into Architectural Planning once a suitable site has been acquired.

In relation to the temporary accommodation for the school a final grant of planning permission for the additional two prefabs issued on 5th October, 2015 and is subject to 23 conditions. My Department's Consultant Architect has submitted information to the Planning Authority regarding these conditions and is continuing to progress the project to ensure that the prefabs are installed as soon as possible.