Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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314. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 1 December 2016, if he has made contact with the education and training board in respect of a proposal submitted by a school (details supplied) to purchase an adjoining site for development; when the school can expect a decision in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19404/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that my Department has responded to the ETB in question in respect of its proposal to purchase additional land for a substantial extension and refurbishment of the school referred to by the Deputy.

A major project for the ETB school referred to is not however included on my Department's 6 year Construction Programme (2016-2021) which is focused on providing essential school accommodation to meet demographic demand. The ETB were advised that it is therefore not possible to provide an indicative timeframe for the progression of a major project for the school in question at this time. However the ETB were advised that it was open to it to submit an application for additional accommodation in respect of the immediate deficits of essential classroom accommodation.

An application for additional accommodation has been received from the ETB, which is currently under consideration. My Department will be in further contact with the ETB concerned in the matter shortly.

In that regard the ETB submitted an application for replacement accommodation and a Special Class provision which is currently being assessed.  My Department will be in contact with the ETB in the matter shortly.