Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to reports of the closure of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if she has been advised that the current school site in the village is vacated; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this small school is much valued by parents and children and that they are anxious to see it remain open and that the nearest alternative school suggested is two and a half miles away; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35736/07]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the status of the school building and site of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the person who owns the site; if the site is subject to leasing arrangement between her Department and the patron or their representatives and in the event of attempts to sell the site, the person to whom the sale proceeds will accrue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35737/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.

The school to which the Deputy refers extended its provision of educational facilities in September 2007 on foot of an extension of the parish boundaries to take in the new housing developments in Tyrellstown.

Due to the restricted nature of the existing school site, the Department agreed that the school could operate on a split campus basis and in that context temporary accommodation was provided. Educational provision will continue in both locations pending delivery of a permanent school.

A decision regarding the closure or phasing out of the school referred to by the Deputy is a matter ultimately for the Patron and the Board of Management. Any decision regarding the future use of the school property will also be a matter for the Patron. The Department is in the process of acquiring a site in the Tyrellstown area to provide a new 24 classroom building for this school.