Written answers

Tuesday, 11 October 2005

Department of Education and Science

Schools Building Projects

9:00 pm

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if proposals have been prepared for presentation to the school boards and parents groups regarding the possible solution of the accommodation requirements of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if she has set a timeframe for final decisions on this matter; if she has received any contact from Dublin City Council which has earmarked a site for the development of a new school but needs confirmation of the Department's plans in order that the overall development of the 38-acre site, of which the earmarked place is a part, will proceed in an integrated way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27742/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is fully aware of the need to provide a solution to the long-term accommodation needs of the school to which the Deputy refers and it is actively considering two options. The first option is the provision of a new school on the site to which the Deputy refers. This matter is being pursued by the property management section of the Office for Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in site acquisitions generally. The second option, which could offer a better value for money solution, involves rationalisation of exiting providers in the area. Discussions are ongoing with the respective boards of management in this regard. The Deputy will appreciate that rationalisation is a sensitive issue for those concerned. It would not, therefore, be helpful to treat the matter as a fait accompli by developing plans to accommodate an unconnected school in premises owned by those involved in the rationalisation process or to be prescriptive in terms of the time needed by the parties to explore the full implications of rationalisation proposals. This matter can only be finalised when the relevant discussions have been completed and a decision has been taken by the boards of management concerned to effect rationalisation. The local authority will be notified of the position as soon as a resolution has been reached.

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