Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 762: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Galway; if sites have been agreed for both projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20512/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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An agreement was reached by the respective Patrons to rationalise provision of post-primary provision in the Tuam area to establish a single boys' and a single girls' school. The actual amalgamation in each case is dependent on the availability of suitable accommodation.

In relation to the Girls school it is proposed to provide a new school on a new site. The OPW, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, is considering a number of site proposals with the intention of acquiring a suitable site to facilitate the development of a new school building. Due to the commercial sensitivities of the site acquisition process the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment any further. In relation to the Boys school the Patron has offered to provide a site to accommodate the new school and I understand is in discussions with the County Council in relation to same. As soon as these site issues are finalised, the building projects required to deliver the appropriate accommodation will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.