Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

A larger health and safety issue would arise if an unsuitable site was used for a school building. The patron and council are in discussions regarding the boys' school. The Department wrote to the patron on 25 September, almost a month ago, seeking an update but has not received a reply. Perhaps the Deputy will contact the patron to ascertain the latest position.

The Department will be pleased to progress with the girls' school as soon as a suitable site is found. The closing date for receipt of proposed sites was 8 August. A second advertisement was placed because sites proposed following the previous one failed technical assessments. Further technical assessments are being carried out on the proposed sites received by the latest deadline.

I recognise that difficulties have arisen with the project and have indicated this to the schools and their patrons and boards of management. For this reason, the project has received a band 1 priority rating. The problem of site selection is not of the Department's making. As soon as it is resolved, I will be more than happy to progress the school project.

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