Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
408. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to provide a new primary school for an area (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the conditions in the existing facility and capacity issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8296/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was established under the patronage divesting process in 2016.
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 Castlebar, 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.
It was in this way that Marsh House, the current location of the school to which the Deputy refers, was identified and leased for this purpose from Mayo County Council. My Department arranged for the necessary works to be undertaken and for planning permission to be secured in this regard.
Given the duration of the planning permission and lease, my Department recently reviewed the position in Castlebar in relation to any potential alternative suitable accommodation for this school. The Department understands that the school patron undertook a similar review. However, neither the Department nor school patron have identified a feasible alternative option that could be progressed under the patronage divesting process for this school.
In the circumstances, the Department is making arrangements to facilitate the property being continued to be used by this school.
