Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2018
72. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the construction of a permanent school (details supplied); if the discussion on the site location on the Phoenix Park racecourse adjacent to a club is completed; if he will sanction the purchase of the site; when the permanent school is likely to commence construction; and when he expects the permanent school to open. [49508/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the school to which she refers is included in my Department’s 6 year construction programme. The acquisition of a suitable site is required to facilitate this project.
With the assistance of officials in Fingal County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites a number of site options were identified. These were comprehensively assessed and a preferred site option has been identified. Negotiations with the landowner in respect of the proposed acquisition of this site are currently at an advanced stage and officials are working to bring matters to a conclusion at the earliest possible date.
Due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions generally, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to provide further details at this time but I can confirm that the school patron is being kept appraised of developments in respect of the site acquisition process.
Once the site for the school is secured the project to deliver the school's permanent accommodation can progress into architectural planning. In the interim the school is based since September 2018 at the former Institute of Horology property, Mill Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 on a temporary basis.
