Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
138. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the technical examination his Department carried out on the site of a school (details supplied) showed that the best option to facilitate the relocation of another school to this site is the provision of a new building as opposed to refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11231/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra139. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has completed the schedule of accommodation and the brief for the project in a school (details supplied). [11232/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the school in question has a major building project included in my Department's 6 Year Capital Programme. The school concerned submitted a proposal through its Patron to relocate the school within the Portlaoise area to meet its long term accommodation needs. In that regard, my Department has undertaken a technical site visit to examine the proposed alternative location. In addition, my Department has met with the NCSE (National Council for Special Education) to discuss the future demand for special school places in the Portlaoise area.
My Department is currently formulating the Schedule of Accommodation and the Brief for the project, which will take into account the options available to the school, including the option of a new building as opposed to refurbishment.
My Department is in ongoing contact with the school in this matter. When this work is finalised, my Department will be in further contact with the school authority with a view to progressing the project.
