Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
544. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if she will prioritise works at a school (details supplied); the status of the efforts of her Department to attain permanent accommodation for the school community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36937/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was established under the patronage divesting process in 2015 and is currently in interim accommodation pending delivery of the school's permanent accommodation.
Under the patronage divesting process, a school can be opened where a school building became, or was due to become available as a result of an amalgamation/closure of an existing school. In some areas, including in the case of Birr, in responding to demand for diversity where existing patrons were unable make school properties available, my Department also included an examination of properties held in public ownership.
In this regard, my Department has been liaising with a State body for some time in relation to the potential for part of a building in its ownership in Birr to become the permanent home for the school.
Such projects for divested schools can involve complex factors and my Department is in the process of firming up on costings and related matters in accordance with the Department’s normal capital appraisal process, in line with the updated Public Spending Code.
My Department will update the school authorities once the process of firming up on costings and related matters is complete.
