Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2019
201. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a list of disused school buildings in the Fingal area of County Dublin will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48675/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraNationwide, there are over 4,000 school buildings and the majority are in private ownership, mainly by denominational patrons.
When a school building becomes vacant as a result of closure/amalgamation/replacement, the future use of the old building is in the first instance a matter for the property owner. When the property owner applies to the Minister for permission to either use the property for community purposes or to sell it, my Department makes an assessment as to whether the property is required for future educational use. If it is concluded that the property has no viable future educational use, my Department permits that it may be used for community or other purposes or may be sold. Therefore, my Department does not hold details of current usage of former school buildings in private ownership.
Any school buildings in the Minister's direct ownership in the Fingal area are already planned for educational use.
