Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2022
133. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the process that was used to select lands at a site (details supplied) as a possible option for the development of a new school building; if concerns have been raised about the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25248/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra134. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the costs of renting, refurbishing and repair works on premises for a school (details supplied) since it opened in 2016, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25249/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
As part of my Department's standard general procedures for identifying potential sites for new schools and in line with protocols for the use of State Property Assets, State-owned lands were identified as a possible site for a new permanent building for the school referred to by the Deputy.
Given the passage of time since the original site identification process, my Department considered it prudent to carry out a further site identification exercise for a 1,000 pupil school in this area and this process is ongoing at the moment. The purpose of the current exercise is to establish if the situation has changed in the intervening period and if other site options have become available.
In respect of a solution for the permanent school, my Department is examining all options. In order to better inform these deliberations my Department has undertaken a site identification process in the greater Bray area. The site identification process has identified one site with some potential. However to advance to negotiations, my Department is currently seeking clarification on a number of issues which would impact on the deliverability of this site in a timely manner. A technical assessment is underway on a second potential site option, which will include consultation with the Local Authority. Due to commercial sensitivities my Department cannot provide further information at this time.
The information in respect of rental and refurbishment costs on premises for the school in question is included in the attached table as requested.
Rental and Refurbishment Costs – North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School
|
Total Rental Costs |
€881,325.90 |
|
Total Refurbishment Costs |
€1,701,807.64 |
