Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2018
221. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a preferred site for a school (details supplied) has been chosen in view of the fact that the building occupied by the school is now up for sale and no leasing arrangement is in place; if his Department has entered negotiations with the site owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3251/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the project to which he refers was announced as part of my Department's Six Year Capital Programme in 2015.
Officials in my Department continue to work closely with officials from the relevant local authority under the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the acquisition of a suitable permanent location for the school to which the Deputy refers and with the assistance of Council officials a shortlist of technically suitable site options was identified.
Engagement with the relevant landowners is ongoing with a view to reaching agreement in principle on the most suitable site acquisition as soon as possible. The school patron will be appraised of developments in this respect and will be informed of the proposed permanent school location as soon as it is possible to do so.
I can assure the Deputy that the acquisition of a suitable site for the school is very active on the programme of site acquisitions and every effort is being made to secure the suitable site for the school as expeditiously as possible.
