Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
208. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of a new secondary school in southern areas of Swords, County Dublin; if land has been identified for such a school; the stage the land transfer is at for such a school; when a school will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39390/18]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to the new primary school for South Swords which I announced to open in 2019.
A site identification process in respect of the new primary school announced for South Swords is currently underway. In line with the policy on the use of state assets (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars 11/15 and 17/16), my Department will be seeking to maximise the use of sites already in my ownership and of available properties in the ownership of other State bodies, where these are considered suitable. In addition as part of my Department's ongoing engagement with Local Authorities in respect of statutory planning processes and under the MoU on school site acquisitions, my Department is examining all potential suitable site options, including appropriately zoned sites, to serve the relevant area.
A decision regarding the permanent location of the school in South Swords will be made at the earliest possible date.
The school will open in September 2019 in interim accommodation, pending the delivery of its permanent school building.
