Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 537: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for the building of a new school (details supplied); if she will approve the preferred site for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31994/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute (TRBDI) has proposed moving from its current location to the Ballingarrane Estate. While my consent is required by TRBDI for the re-location proposal (and I have indicated that this consent will only be given on the condition, inter alia, that the TRBDI assists in the matter of the provision of a site for the Gaelscoil) the TRBDI site is in the ownership of TRBDI Ltd. Expressions of interest have been sought by TRBDI from developers that, ideally, would result in a developer taking possession of the Institute's current location and providing accommodation for the Institute at Ballingarrane Estate at no cost to the Exchequer with the proviso that three acres be made available for the Gaelscoil. Developers have the option of providing the three acres from the existing site or from an agreed alternative suitable location elsewhere in Clonmel. This process will take some considerable time and the outcome is difficult to predict at present. In the meantime, my Department is liaising with TRBDI and the County Manager of South Tipperary County Council to explore the possibility of other suitable options for the permanent accommodation of the Gaelscoil in Clonmel that may, potentially, be in a position to be finalised earlier than the potential option on the existing TRBDI site.