Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I referred to the two sites in question because I am aware of both. I am also aware that one lies outside the boundary. The Minister of State referred to site selection and indicated that the process of acquiring land is ongoing. I am aware that attempts were made to acquire a public open space, namely, a football field and that the local community was opposed to this. Will the Minister of State confirm that the proposal to purchase this land is no longer on the table? There are several groups involved here, namely, the school community and those who play football and use the land in question for the purpose of engaging in physical exercise. When he refers to commercial sensitivities, I presume the Minister of State is referring to sensitivities which relate to some private as opposed to public land the Department is seeking to acquire. Seeking to acquire land from a local authority such as South Dublin County Council is one thing, whereas seeking to purchase it from a private owner is quite another.

I accept that there are commercial sensitivities involved but people must be allowed to know what is happening. In view of what is happening in respect of property throughout Dublin at present, the land is going to be for sale on the open market in any event. I do not want it to be a case that the sale of the land will be signed, sealed and delivered and that the new school will be built there. I want a school to be built which will be within the Firhouse area and which will suit the demographic needs of that area. If the Minister of State has the relevant information about a possible site in his possession, he should make it available. It should certainly be made available before September in order that those at Firhouse Educate Together will know that a site will be acquired for it.