Schools Building Projects Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2017

Tuesday, 26 September 2017

Questions (164)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

164. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the long-delayed three-school campus for Buncrana, County Donegal; if he will meet with a delegation from Donegal Education and Training Board in addition to local teachers and parents to hear their concerns regarding the long delay in progressing this project and the implications for the existing three schools and the schoolchildren; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40667/17]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy may be aware the project to which she refers is included on my Department’s capital programme.

A preferred site option has been identified and officials from the relevant Local Authority, on behalf of my Department, have engaged in discussions with the landowner in question with a view to its acquisition. Once the site has been acquired, assuming no issues arise, my Department will be in a position to progress the project concerned into the architectural planning process.

I have received a request to meet with representatives of the school authorities and a reply will issue shortly to the school authorities in respect of this request.  I can assure the Deputy that all parties are working to bring this acquisition process to a completion as early as possible.