Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 March 2011
65 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timescale for the construction of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if he will ensure that a hall or gymnasium is provided; if he will ensure maximum consultation with the staff and parents of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6058/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware my Department has met on several occasions with both the GAA club and Dublin City Council, in their respective capacities as the land-holders and as the planning authority to negotiate with both parties an acceptable solution for the provision of a new school building on the site currently occupied by the school. The net result of these discussions was that after having gone through a number of potential design solutions, an optimal design solution was agreed in principle which would have regard to a number of factors such as the restricted nature of the site, the existing facilities on the overall site, the concerns of the planning authority in relation, inter alia, to traffic management issues and the concerns of the GAA Club in relation to their existing playing pitches.
To this end, my Department is now in the process of working up a detailed planning application based on the initial design solution discussed with the aforementioned parties. The Deputy can be assured that the school authorities will be informed of the proposed design solution and the rationale informing such a solution in advance of the formal submission of the planning application. The Deputy may also wish to note that within the last few days Dublin City Council has advised my Department that the proposed disposal has been approved at a meeting of the Central Area Committee and the way is now open for the Elected Members to consider the disposal of that portion of the site being made available in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001.
