Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

My Department has been actively pursuing the acquisition of a suitable site to facilitate the construction of a permanent building for the school referred to by the Deputy. Nine sites were initially under consideration by the OPW acting on behalf of my Department. Detailed reports were received on three of these earlier this year. The report identified one of the sites as being the most suitable, subject to a geotechnical survey. Following a favourable report, negotiations were initiated with the owners, the local authority. My Department has concluded these discussions and I understand the issue will be on the agenda of a forthcoming council meeting. Upon legal finalisation of the site acquisition, my Department will seek a fast-track solution to procurement of the school building.

As the board and patron are already aware, the provision of interim accommodation remains the responsibility of the school authorities until such time as a permanent solution is provided. Officials in my Department are willing to work with the school authorities in their efforts to address the interim solution and have communicated recently with the school authority in that regard.

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