Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 September 2021
100. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Education the status of a school (details supplied); the reason for the delay in submitting the planning application until Q1 2022; when permanent road infrastructure will be constructed, including a footpath and cycleway to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45627/21]
View answerThe project to provide the permanent building for the school referred to by the Deputy is in early architectural planning which involves site surveys, school design stages and the preparation of statutory applications.
As with all school building projects, pre-planning meetings are required with the Local Authority in advance of preparing a Planning Application. This is to ensure the highest probability of a successful planning application in the shortest time possible. A considerable amount of work is required following the pre-planning meeting to prepare a suitably detailed application.
At the pre-planning meeting for the interim accommodation currently on the site, the Local Authority made it clear that the planning application for the permanent accommodation must be cognisant of the overall Shannon Homes Masterplan for the area. Discussions have been ongoing between my Department and Shannon Homes Ltd. in relation to the overall plan for the area. The Shannon Homes Masterplan for the area has been received by my Department and a planning application is being prepared for the additional interim accommodation which the school will require for the 2022/23 academic year.
The permanent road infrastructure, including a footpath and cycleway to the school, is to be constructed by the vendor as a condition of sale of the land. This infrastructure is to be provided on a phased basis in conjunction with the development of the temporary and permanent school facilities.
