I refer to your recent e-mail to the Minister for Education, Ms. Norma Foley TD, in relation to a new secondary school for Kildare Town.
As has been previously advised, while a site acquisition process is under way, given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time. Please rest assured that this project is being given priority attention and we are attempting to bring the matter to a close as soon as possible.
As you may be aware, Officials from the Department are currently in negotiation with a landowner in respect of the acquisition of a site suitable for the project to which you refer. This negotiation is ongoing and you will appreciate that it is necessary to conduct a thorough technical analysis of the site in order to protect the best long term interests of the school and environs. Officials from the Department continue to work closely with Officials from Kildare County Council in order to progress the acquisition of the site.