Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
222. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department or the NCSC have had contact with the owners of a school (details supplied) in relation to its future educational use; and if his Department has considered purchasing, asking for it to be donated to the State or leasing it. [7751/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm to the Deputy that 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.
My Department has not received correspondence from the property owner in this regard.
