Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 May 2017
69. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the purchase of a site for the three school campus in Buncrana, County Donegal; if his Department has made offers to land owners for a site; when a site is expected to be purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24467/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the project in respect of the education campus in Buncrana was announced as part of my Department's Six Year Capital Programme.
A preferred site option was identified and officials from Donegal County Council, on behalf of my Department, have engaged with the landowner in question with a view to its acquisition. These negotiations have not yielded a positive result to date.
At the request of my Department, Council officials have also engaged with the relevant landowners in respect of a second suitable site which may provide an alternative option, if agreement can be reached on a purchase price. These negotiations are ongoing.
Officials from my Department have arranged to meet with officials from the relevant local authority to discuss the matter with a view to determining the best means to expedite the site acquisition.
Due to the commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisitions generally, it is not possible to provide any further information at this time regarding the negotiation process or the site options. Once a suitable site has been acquired my Department will be in a position to progress the project concerned into the architectural planning process.
