Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2019
35. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in the acquisition of a site for a new school (details supplied) in County Dublin and the delivery of temporary accommodation at the existing site in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10682/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the building project for the school in question is included on my Department's capital programme.
The Department of Education has recently contacted officials in Fingal County Council for assistance under the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable site. Negotiations with relevant landowners in respect of the potential acquisition of the zoned post primary school site at that location is currently underway.
Officials in my Department are engaging with officials in the Council and both sets of officials are working to progress matters as quickly as possible, in cognisance of the school’s current accommodation constraints.
It is difficult to indicate a timeline for the completion of the acquisition of a site for the school in question as it is dependent on the outcome of current negotiations and also on the complexity of the conveyancing process. Once a site has been acquired, the project can progress to architectural planning. My officials will continue to keep the Patron appraised of developments in the site acquisition process.
In the interim, my Department has approved the provision of additional temporary accommodation for 2019/2020 for the school referred to by the Deputy at its current location and the initial approval letter issued to the school authorities in November 2018. My Department has been in contact with the school regarding documentation to finalise the provision of temporary accommodation. The school has advised my Department that this documentation will be provided in the coming weeks.
