Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Kenny may not be aware that there is, as far as I understand, a coláiste leanúna in Coláiste Mhuire in Marino. The proposal is new and interesting and has not been made before with regard to Baile Bhuirne. I suggest the Deputy raise the matter with the Minister for Education and Science. It is interesting that I appear to receive more questions on this issue than the Minister for Education and Science who has direct responsibility for it.

My Department, the Department of Education and Science, Údarás na Gaeltachta and other bodies are discussing what should be done with the college in Baile Bhuirne. The idea proposed by the Deputy is interesting and I will mention it to the Minister for Education and Science. Other ideas are also in the mix. We should produce a number of proposals for the college.

As I indicated on a recent visit to Réidh na nDóirí, none of us would be discussing the future of Baile Bhuirne, where some of the land in question has already been put to good use, if we had not made the decision to buy the land. It is a decision I never regret because it is an incredibly valuable property. No matter how long it takes to develop something in that location, the site is there to facilitate it. There is no way we could purchase it now.

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