Vol. 447 No. 11
156 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education, in view of the local opposition to the proposed sale of Department of Education lands (details supplied) in Dublin 15, if she will reconsider this decision which would remove a major sporting amenity for the young people of the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1042/95]
In 1993, my Department purchased land at Beech Park, Dublin 15, as a site for a new second level school. It was decided in 1985 to allow St. Brigid's GAA Club to use the site on a temporary basis pending construction of the school. This was never intended to be a long term arrangement and the position was again made clear to the GAA Club in 1988 when they sought a ten year lease which was refused.
The Beech Park land is now considered inadequate and an unsatisfactory location for the new school. The vocational education committee has therefore, identified an alternative location for the new school in the Diswellstown area which, following careful consideration of all circumstances, they have been authorised to acquire. The terms negotiated with the owner include the exchange of the Beech Park land for the new site.
The vocational education committee are currently in the process of completing the arrangements for the exchange and the new school is expected to commence shortly. In the circumstances, therefore, I am not in a position at this stage to alter the decision to dispose of the Beech Park site.
