Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 July 2014
126. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the extreme needs of the pupils in a school (details supplied) in County Galway, if he will provide a refurbishment grant for a premises on the campus as requested by the school; the reasons this has not been provided to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30343/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department has paid considerable monies to the Trustees of the school in question for the rental of the premises for a number of years to accommodate a primary school and more recently a post primary school. Considerable further refurbishment works including mechanical and electrical works were grant aided by my Department to accommodate the latter school which vacated the property earlier this year.
I understand that the premises is now vacant and that the school referred to by the Deputy wishes to occupy the premises pending the provision of a new school building. My Department is currently liaising with the school regarding this request.
With regard to the provision of a new school, I wish to advise the Deputy that it is my Department's intention to initiate the architectural planning process for this and the first step, involving a site visit, will be undertaken shortly.
