Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Cork; if a site has been acquired for the construction of a new school arising from this amalgamation; if contracts for purchase have been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2223/11]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In 2002, agreement was reached to amalgamate the two primary schools referred to by the Deputy. The application for capital funding to facilitate this amalgamation was assessed and assigned a band rating of 1.4.

The Department approached County Cork Vocational Education Committee seeking their assistance towards identifying a suitable site for this proposed amalgamation. County Cork Vocational Education Committee published an advertisement in April 2010, requesting submissions from interested land owners for potential sites for the proposed new school. On foot of the advertisement, a total of 5 proposals were received and a suitable site has been identified. The VEC has concluded its assessment of the sites and has, I am advised, had discussions with the planning authority on the suitability of the preferred site. I further understand that the land owner has also made contact with the Local Authority in relation to this matter. However given the sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this point in time.

The acquisition of the site and the delivery of the school building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.