Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2005
669 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has acquired ownership from the developers of land (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the cost of the land; the amount of land acquired for a primary school, the proposed second level school and any other community purpose. [22029/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is planning the development of a new post-primary school in Dublin 15 to serve the growing population of that area. The acquisition process for this site is at an advanced stage. However, due to the commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisitions generally, the information requested by the Deputy relating to site cost is not available for release. My Department's policy on all site acquisitions is to treat them with the strictest confidentiality until the acquisition has been completed. This is to ensure that my Department will achieve the best value for money option.
With regard to the provision of a new primary school, I presume the Deputy is referring to the permanent accommodation needs of an Educate Together national school. Arrangements have been made for this school to be accommodated in the Castaheaney area for the 2005-06 school year in temporary accommodation on an existing school site. My Department is pursuing the acquisition of a site to provide permanent accommodation for the school. However, in common with the Phibblestown site I am unable to provide specifics on the site acquisition process due to commercial sensitivities.
In both instances the amount of land to be acquired will allow for the development of school facilities to meet the needs of the area with shared community facilities which will be developed in conjunction with Fingal County Council. This co-operation ensures that the delivery of school and community facilities maximises the use of available land and avoids the duplication of facilities such as sports halls and playing pitches.
