Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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117. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the procurement of a permanent site for a planned new school (details supplied) in County Cork and also on the provision of temporary accommodation to be in place for the planned school opening in Autumn 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32341/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Deputy may be aware that I signed a Memorandum of Understanding between my Department and the County and City Managers' Association (CCMA) in 2012. This Memorandum of Understanding fosters increased levels of cooperation and formalises the Local Authorities' part in identifying and securing sites for educational use.

In that context, my Department has worked closely with Cork County Council towards acquiring a permanent site to meet the needs of the school to which the Deputy refers. The acquisition of the site in question is currently being progressed. Given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time. I can, however, assure the Deputy that the acquisition of a new site for the school is a priority for my Department and the patron body will be informed of the location for the school as soon as it is possible to do so.

To facilitate the commencement of the school in September 2016 the Department has identified a suitable property for temporary use and officials from my Department will be meeting shortly with the patron body to discuss arrangements in relation to this.