School Accommodation Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2015

Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Ceisteanna (531)

Colm Keaveney

Ceist:

531. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide funding for the provision of temporary accommodation in the Presentation College, Athenry, County Galway, in order that the school can accept the enrolment of children who have been refused due to the significant excess of demand for places over capacity; if she will intervene with the Industrial Development Agency Ireland to negotiate a withdrawal of its opposition to enable the new school to be constructed on the site the school purchased for that purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42807/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is working closely with Galway County Council to acquire a permanent site for the school to which the Deputy refers. Recent correspondence received by the Department from the Board of Management with regard to the project is currently under consideration. Matters will be kept under review with a view to the progressing of the building project as soon as possible.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently been in contact with the school in question in relation to its accommodation needs. As my Department is satisfied that there are sufficient school places in the area in question to cater for the overall pupil demand, the school was advised that my Department was not in a position to provide further additional accommodation.

I am aware that there were concerns raised by the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Ireland regarding the proposed development of a site that was purchased by the school authorities. While it is open to the school authorities to engage with IDA Ireland, I do not propose to become involved in such discussions.