Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 September 2021
121. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she will work with a school and an organisation (details supplied) to ensure that the pitches used by the college for generations are kept for use of the college, the local community and sports clubs into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45643/21]
View answerThe lands to which the Deputy refers are in private ownership and my Department understands that they are the subject of a legally binding contract.
An application under the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process for the development of the lands referred to by the Deputy has been submitted to An Bord Pleanála. My Department, as a prescribed body, was recently notified of the application and invited to submit its observations to An Bord Pleanála. In considering such matters my Department has regard to current and future school requirements in the area in which the site is located. This will form the basis for the response to An Bord Pleanála.
Due to the legal ownership position and the planning application to be considered by An Bord Pleanála, my Department does not consider it would be appropriate to seek an intervention in this matter in the manner suggested by the Deputy.
