Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
74. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Skills the alternative accommodation arrangements for a school (details supplied) once the lease expires on its current temporary accommodation in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2660/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware a major capital project for the provision of permanent accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy to cater for a long term projected enrolment of 1,000 pupils is being addressed through my Department's Capital Programme.
With regard with the school’s interim accommodation, as the Deputy is aware the lease on the school's temporary accommodation is due to expire on the 30th April 2019 and the property is up for sale. My Department’s preferred option for interim accommodation is for the school to remain in this location. Accordingly, my Department has indicated to the owner of the property that it would be interested in exploring the potential to licence or lease the property from a potential purchaser should the purchaser be amenable to such an arrangement.
My Department is also exploring other options should it not be possible for the school to remain in the existing property. In this context, my Department is engaging with the patron body of the school and KWETB regarding all other possible short term accommodation solutions.
