Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
386. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school building (details supplied) which has been empty since the opening of another school; his plans for the development of the school; the nature of the plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6906/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe property referred to by the Deputy is not in my ownership.
When State monies are provided to facilitate building works to school property owned by a third party, a legal mechanism is put in place in order to protect the State's interest. This is known as a Charging Lease or Declaration of Trust. These leases protect the Minister's capital investment in the school property and require that the property be used as a school for a set period.
I can confirm that as I am not party to a charging lease or a Declaration of Trust on the property referred to by the Deputy I do not have a vested interest in the property.
I would advise that any enquiry regarding the future use of the building should be made to the landowner in the first instance.
