Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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112. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason refurbishments to a school (details supplied) in Trim, County Meath, have been delayed; the expected start date for these refurbishments; when his Department will be in contact with the patron; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25250/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that it is my Department's intention to relocate the school in question to the property referred to in the details supplied to meet the school's permanent accommodation needs.

The property in question transferred to the Minister’s ownership last year. This building is a listed structure that requires extensive refurbishment to make its facilities fit for modern school purposes. In that regard, a significant financial investment will be required and this has to be considered within the overall available capital envelope. I am not, therefore, in a position at this stage to indicate when the refurbishment works will be undertaken. My Department will be in further contact with the Patron when any further update is available.

In the interim period, my Department will be making arrangements to extend the school’s current lease on its temporary premises until June 2018.