Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1043. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the status of the acquisition of a site for replacement of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30577/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, following an extensive site identification, assessment and negotiation process, the Department reached an agreement in principle, subject to contract, for the acquisition of 8 acre site at Magee Barracks in Kildare Town to facilitate the relocation of the school to which the Deputy refers.
The acquisition process is at an advanced stage. Heads of Terms have been agreed with the Vendor and draft contracts have been exchanged.
The site will accommodate a new 1,000 pupil school plus 4 classroom special education needs unit as a replacement and expansion of the existing Curragh Post Primary school and will cater for the increased demographic growth at post-primary level due to occur in the region over the coming years.
The development of the post primary school on this site will enhance the education facilities available to the Curragh Post Primary school and the existing primary schools in a new educational campus arrangement. The delivery of this school building project is a priority for my Department.
In order to meet the more immediate needs for post primary school places in the Kildare area, the Department is working with Kildare Wicklow ETB, as patron of the school, to deliver modular accommodation on the former Magee Barracks site to facilitate the relocation and expansion of the school for the 2023/24 academic year.
