My Department is currently examining the overall accommodation in the Wexford Town centre. The purpose of this examination is to ascertain if there is surplus accommodation available which could be used to accommodate the Gaelscoil. This option must be given serious consideration before any commitment is given to provide a new school building. The Deputy will appreciate that it is incumbent on my Department to make the most effective use of public moneys, particularly at a time when the demand for capital expenditure exceeds available resources.
Where rationalisation in a centre is not feasible, a school is considered for inclusion in a future capital programme. The inclusion of a school in a programme would allow the Department to pursue the acquisition of a site.
Pending the outcome of the present examination in Wexford, I am not in a position to consider Gaelscoil Loch Garman for inclusion in a capital programme or, consequently, to authorise purchase of a site.