Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The school referred to by the Deputy is situated on a split campus, with the senior school sharing a campus with another primary school. The school was approved funding under the prefab replacement scheme in 2012, but this funding has not been drawn down. The school authorities submitted an alternative proposal that involved the provision of all the proposed replacement accommodation on the senior school site, thereby rationalising provision from three sites to one. The Department advised the school authorities that it had no objection to their proposal and indicated that it was prepared to include a special needs provision to meet needs in the area. I want to make it clear that the school subsequently advised the Department that it was exploring amalgamation possibilities and the possible need for a new school building in that context. I now understand that the amalgamation option is not being proceeded with. The Department is engaging with the patron of both schools - it is the same patron for both schools - regarding how best to meet their long-term accommodation needs. My understanding is there has been a change of mind on the side of the schools and the Department is trying to determine exactly how it can make long-term provision in this case.

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