Schools Building Projects Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2016

Wednesday, 20 January 2016

Questions (146)

Shane Ross

Question:

146. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Education and Skills the nature and conclusion of discussions with the developer of the strategic development zone lands at Adamstown in Lucan in County Dublin regarding the provision of the sports hall requirement in the current phase; the discussions to date with South Dublin County Council regarding the joining of the sports hall element with the equally required community hall element to create a larger, more cohesive joint sports and community hall, which is the desired outcome of the council, councillors and residents of Adamstown, while also not being objected to by the board or parents association of Adamstown Community College; if she will engage in a process to facilitate the timely completion of such a shared facility; the timeframe for likely design and construction in that eventuality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2397/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware officials from my Department are engaged in discussions with the developer in question with a view to ensuring that the sports facilities for the school are delivered. Officials in my Department received a proposal from the developer which would possibly facilitate the delivery of the facilities. The proposal was assessed by my Department and my officials have reverted to the developer regarding this. Discussions are ongoing in this regard.

The Deputy will appreciate that in the context of these discussions it would not be appropriate for me to disclose specific information regarding the proposal.

My officials are working closely with officials from South Dublin County Council towards the achievement of a satisfactory solution.

The Department is aware that South Dublin County Council is interested in pursuing a project where a combined sports hall and community facilities can be provided, and that South Dublin County Council has provided a sum of €750,000 in their recently prepared 3 year capital programme 2016-2018.

The Department has informed officials in South Dublin County Council that they will revert to them in due course regarding a possible contribution from the Council towards a community facility element and the potential inclusion of community additional space as part of any development.

However in the first instance the current discussions with the developer must be brought to a satisfactory conclusion and my officials are currently working to achieve this.