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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

265 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will direct the relevant officers in the planning section of his Department to commence negotiations with Fingal County Council regarding the local site designated for education in order that the process of building a permanent school for Donabate Portrane Educate Together national school can commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12822/03]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

282 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which he intends to deal with the lack of space at Donabate Portrane Educate Together national school; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that part of the school is currently operating from the scout den; when he expects work to begin on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13005/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 282 together.

The position is that Donabate-Portrane Educate Together national school was granted provisional recognition in September 2002. The school authorities were advised at that time the question of permanent recognition would be considered when the Department was satisfied that long-term viability had been demonstrated and that the school was operating in accordance with the rules for national schools. Until such time as permanent recognition is granted to the school, my Department will not consider purchasing a site to permanently accommodate the school. If and when permanent recognition is granted, budgetary factors will then determine the rate of progress on the acquisition of a site and on the delivery of permanent accommodation for the school.

In response to its pending accommodation difficulties the board of management made a proposal to my Department, which would involve the lease or purchase of a site reserved for educational purposes, from Fingal County Council in order to house the school in temporary accommodation on the site. Due to budgetary constraints, this option is not being pursued at this time.
In order to cater for the accommodation needs of the school for the forthcoming school year, my Department has approved grant-aid for the rental of two temporary classrooms to be located on the site of the sea scout den.
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