Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 508: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the outstanding issues in relation to the acquisition of a new site for a new community school in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, as outlined in her response to Parliamentary Question No. 1254 of 27 September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31615/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for Ballinamore Community School. A number of options have been considered including the possibility of using one of the sites of the existing schools as the site of amalgamation.

The preferred option however is the location of the new school on a green field site. Over the past few years a number of green field sites have been identified as a possibility for the location of the proposed new school but their acquisition met with difficulties. Following a re-advertisement for possible sites, some new proposals were received. All site options have been examined by the OPW.

My Department is awaiting clarification from the OPW on a number of the site proposals. Due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, it is not proposed at this stage to identify specific sites being considered or perceived difficulties surrounding their possible acquisition.