Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2019
110. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had discussions with the developer in the area regarding the current lease on the land a school (details supplied) is on, in view of the concern of parents and the local community on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21006/19]
View answerDespite requests from the Department, the Developer referred to did not want to extend the lease so that the school to which the Deputy refers could remain on their land past the current academic year 2018/2019. They had required the Department to confirm that the school would vacate the property at end June 2019. Clearly, the Department could not give such confirmation as alternative interim accommodation for the school was not available in the current area. The Department had much engagement with the developer in relation to extending the leasing arrangement at this property. In this regard the Department had requested the developer’s consent to extending the lease to 31st August, 2020 to facilitate the school remaining in interim accommodation at this location until the end of the 2019/2020 school year by which time the permanent accommodation for the school will be ready. Unfortunately it was not possible to get the developer’s agreement to this lease extension. Following protracted negotiations with the Developer, agreement was reached for the school to remain in interim accommodation at its current location until the end of January 2020. The developer has indicated that it is not possible to extend the lease beyond this date.
My Department is examining alternative interim accommodation options for re-locating the school pending delivery of its permanent school building.
The site acquisition process for the school is now complete. A planning application for the permanent accommodation for the school was lodged in January 2019. A request for additional information received from the local authority was responded to on 26 April 2019 and a decision is awaited.
Officials in my Department will continue to keep the school authority updated on progress.
