Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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130. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has been reviewing the need for new premises for a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7560/17]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB) has been working with the Trinity Adult Resource Group for Education and Training (TARGET) on the provision of Further Education and Training programmes in Donaghmede for over 20 years.

Over the years, TARGET have provided a range of education courses to cater for the life-long learning needs of adults in the community as well as a community employment scheme. In addition, TARGET have also provided a range of community services, including a childcare service offering a playgroup and a pre-school facility. They also offer a counselling service.

As a result of an increase in enrolments, St Kevin’s National School, Donaghmede, where TARGET was based, has informed TARGET that the school is not in a position to renew the lease into the future due to a 57% increase in enrolments between 2011 and 2015 and the trend continuing. The school submitted an application to my Department in 2015 to provide for the refurbishment of existing spaces to create two classroom-sized spaces to create a mainstream classroom and a resource room for special education. This application was examined and approved and funding was provided.

TARGET has continued to provide a more limited service from St Kevin's but I understand that the lease will not be renewed beyond summer 2107. 

CDETB have been working with TARGET to secure alternative premises. A proposed site was identified locally however it was later deemed unsuitable for the needs of TARGET. CDETB will continue to liaise with TARGET to try to source alternative and appropriate accommodation for the service.