Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2019
58. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an agreement was reached to acquire the proposed site for a school (details supplied); if so, when the site acquisition will be completed; and when a tender process will be initiated in view of the fact that the new school was announced in 2015. [10912/19]
View answerA building project for the new primary school referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s current 6 year construction programme.
My Department has identified a requirement to secure a permanent site for the school to which he refers and also for an existing special school and the Department’s preference is to seek a campus arrangement to accommodate both schools.
Officials in my Department have worked closely with officials from Meath County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable permanent location for the school’s in question. A preferred site has been identified and the acquisition has been devolved to Louth Meath Education and Training Board, who are currently engaging with the landowner. These negotiations are at an advanced stage.
Once the site is secured, the project to deliver permanent accommodation for the schools can be advanced to architectural planning stage.
