Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 639: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to discussions between himself and the authorities of a school (details supplied) in County Longford for the provision of a permanent school building; and if he will confirm that Seán Connolly Barracks in Longford is being considered as a venue for an educational campus and what this campus would comprise. [27701/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the proposed project for the school to which she refers involves the acquisition of a site.

The progression of the project from site acquisition and initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

In light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

My officials have had preliminary discussions with the Department of Defence in relation to the availability of the former military barracks in Longford for school accommodation purposes. The Department has expressed interest in acquiring the buildings if deemed technically suitable for school purposes and subject to negotiation procedures.

A technical inspection of the former barracks was completed recently and the report from this inspection will inform the Department's position on the matter. The Department intends to examine the findings from the report in the very near future and will then liaise with the Department of Defence on the matter.