Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
151. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be provided to a school (details supplied) to ensure the maintenance of the existing prefabricated structure until the new school building is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18826/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has finalised the project brief for the development of a permanent school building for the school in question and the school has been advised accordingly. The Department will be in further contact with the school shortly relating to the next steps to advance the project through the architectural planning process. The school has also been provided with a point of contact within my Department for the project.
The Deputy will be aware that the site is currently in the ownership of the local authority. My Department is in the process of acquiring this site and officials from both the Department and the local authority are working constructively to finalise this acquisition.
My Department has spoken with the school principal relating to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I understand that the school is currently assessing the nature of the work required. My Department advised the principal that it is open to the school to use its minor works grant, which all primary schools received, to carry out the works in full or on a phased basis as that grant permits if the school considers them to be a priority.
