School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2012

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Ceisteanna (192, 193)

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

231 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 6 December 2011, in view of the fact that planning permission has now been refused by An Bord Pleanála if he has identified a suitable alternative for the school to be built; if he considers the National Asset Management Agency land at a location (details supplied) a suitable alternative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11037/12]

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

239 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 6 December 2011, if he will provide an update on the planning application for a school (details supplied); the efforts he has made to secure appropriate accommodation; the date on which building work will start on that new building; if he will provide a timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11139/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 239 together.

The Deputy will be aware that an application for planning permission for a school building on a site in the area was recently refused on appeal to An Bord Pleanála. Officials from my department are working in conjunction with the Local Authority towards securing permanent sites to meet current and projected future needs at primary level in the area. However, the Deputy will understand that given the sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.

The acquisition of sites and the delivery of the school building projects will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.