Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019
182. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school building (details supplied) has been sold to a private developer who plans to demolish the buildings in order to build houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17369/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the patron of the school referred to in the details supplied informed my Department of the intention to close the school with effect from 30th June 2019, when the last group of pupils will have completed sixth class.
The school patron had been working with the four Catholic Schools under its patronage in the area in relation to the reorganisation of the schools. I understand that the outcome of this interaction undertaken by the patron was that three of the four schools, other than the school referred to by the Deputy, which is a senior boys' primary school, have changed to co-educational status, following consultation with their parents, staff and Boards of Management.
The property in question is not in my ownership, nor, according to Department records, does my Department hold any legal interest, such as a charging lease, over the property. In that context, the plans for the property are a matter for the school Trustees as owner.
In relation to school capacity, my Department's school building programme, to be delivered as part of the National Development Plan, provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. In this regard, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has received an application for special needs accommodation from a primary school in the area. The application is currently being assessed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this process has been completed.
