Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1762: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider moving a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22 to an area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3069/07]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1763: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the discussions that have taken place regarding acquiring a site for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3070/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1762 and 1763 together.

The Department has acknowledged the need for a site for a permanent building for the school referred to by the Deputy. The site on which the school is currently located is not available, however, a 0.93 acre site adjacent to the school was offered. This is even smaller than the current school site and is not adequate to provide a modern purpose built 16 classroom school with the full range of ancillary accommodation which all new schools enjoy. Circa 2.5 acres is the minimum amount of land required.

Enormous difficulties were encountered in trying to acquire a site in what is a built up urban area. In fact, no suitable site at all emerged under the acquisition process. In the circumstances the Department had to consider other options and was fortunate that the County of Dublin Vocational Education Committee not alone had land that could be developed but was willing to make this land available.

There are any number of schools up and down the country that start in one location and are permanently located in another. It also has to be remembered that unlike other primary schools, Gaelscoileanna do not have catchment areas and are not, therefore, confined to being accommodated in specific locations although the Department will always try to re-locate schools as close to an original location if this is possible. It is not realistic, however, in a large urban area to expect this to be easily achieved. School communities themselves are usually aware of local land issues so re-locations are rarely if ever a problem particularly when what is on offer is a multi million Euro investment to ensure that the children concerned have a comfortable high quality learning environment. The Department will be providing transport for eligible pupils when the move takes place.