Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
425. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if she will provide this Deputy with copies of any reports, site assessments or any related documents carried out by or on behalf of her Department in relation to the site acquisition process for a school (details supplied) since it was initiated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28019/22]
View answerFurther to the response previously provided to the Deputy - PQ Reference 25458/22, my Department can confirm that the draft master planning exercise for the State-owned lands site is the only report on, or assessment of same.
Considering the time that has elapsed since the State-owned lands were identified as a potential site for a permanent school building for the school in question, my Department considered that an up to date exercise would be undertaken to determine if any alternative site options have become available in the area in the intervening period. This exercise is now ongoing and two site options have emerged.
A site that would appear to have some potential is being considered. However to advance to negotiations, my Department is currently seeking clarification on a number of issues which would impact on the deliverability of this site in a timely manner.
A technical assessment is underway on a second potential site option, which will include consultation with the Local Authority.
Due to commercial sensitivities my Department cannot provide further information at this time. I wish to confirm that the delivery of a building project for the school is a priority for my Department.
On the basis of the above, the draft master planning exercise referred to has been paused and it is not therefore appropriate for the draft plan to be shared at this time.
