Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The decision making authority for any amalgamation belongs to the patron or trustees of the school, and this is subject to my Department's approval. The Department understands that the timing of the amalgamation is being considered in the context of the delivery of the building project. It awaits confirmation from the patron in this regard.

A building project to provide a new 16-classroom primary school with special educational needs base to facilitate the amalgamation is currently progressing through the architectural planning process. Statutory approvals have been obtained and the project is currently at stage 3, which is the tender stage of the architectural planning process.

Whether I am the tenth Minister, although I believe I am the fortieth Minister since the foundation of the State, I will be happy to keep progress and momentum on this to the fore.

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