Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for affording me the opportunity to outline to the House the proposals of the Department of Education and Science on the provision of a new school building for Gaelscoil Uí Ríordáin, Ballincollig, County Cork. I apologise on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science, who is unable to attend the House this evening.

The Government decision to close the Murphy barracks complex in Ballincollig was seen by the Department as an excellent opportunity to acquire a suitable site on which to provide permanent accommodation for Gaelscoil Uí Ríordáin. Following this decision, it was agreed that an area of approximately 1.7 acres would be provided on which to build a new school building for the Gaelscoil. The school would also have immediate access to adjacent playing fields. Contract documents for the transfer of ownership of the site were forwarded to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. However, since then a number of issues have arisen.

The map included in the contract documentation shows that there are wayleaves crossing the site which would have the impact of significantly reducing the area available on which to build. These wayleaves were not flagged originally when the site was reserved for the Department of Education and Science. In addition, a local authority road bordering part of the site may be widened to facilitate the overall development of the barracks and could result in further reducing the amount of land available for the proposed school building.

Officials at the Department of Education and Science have written to the local authority seeking clarification of the issues raised above. The question of the acquisition of the site will be addressed immediately on receipt of a response from the local authority.

The Department is acutely aware of the need to provide permanent accommodation for Gaelscoil Uí Riordáin, as has been borne out comprehensively by the Minister, Deputy Martin, in his submission this evening. The Department is aware of the need to provide accommodation for the Gaelscoil and is determined to progress the issue as a matter of urgency.

I assure Deputy Moynihan that I have listened to the case he made and noted the points raised. I will communicate his views directly to the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, at the first available opportunity, which will possibly be tomorrow morning.

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