Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. This matter, which is of significant interest to taxpayers, students, parents, teachers and local communities, concerns the planning permission delays relating to the new Educate Together secondary school on Mill Road, Colpe, Drogheda. The current site was leased to the Department in June 2019. On 17 February 2021, the Department purchased 11 acres to deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary building and accommodation including six classrooms for children with special educational needs. At the end of last year, the total cost of supplying temporary accommodation for pupils had reached €14.3 million.

When questioned by Dáil Deputies last week, the Minister claimed that the Department of Education is awaiting a letter of consent from the owner of the adjacent land. The latter happens to be the landowner from whom the Department bought the site. According to the Drogheda Independent, Phil Reilly of Shannon Homes, who owns the adjacent site, denies there is any outstanding issue with regard to the letter of consent. He is unaware of the circumstances relating to the delayed planning application from the Department to Meath County Council. Mr. Reilly stated that half the existing temporary modular school accommodation will need to be moved to facilitate the permanent build. I note from the Minister's response to Deputy Nash last week that the Department has no plans to install additional modular accommodation for the 2024-25 academic year. Some 120 children have already enrolled for this academic year. Where are they to go?

The matter to be dealt with today is the planning permission. Last week, Meath County Council told me engagement has begun with the Department. If planning is launched now, it will take three years to build a school. How can we leave 600 children in prefabs, surrounded by acres of empty fields, without any playing pitches for the next three years? The mental and physical health of these children is being completely disregarded. Having already spent €14 million, surely the Department can ensure a playing pitch is provided. I ask the Minister of State to please give the school and its students some hope. When will the planning permission application be lodged with the council to progress this much-needed education facility?