Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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563. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the terms upon which his Department has agreed to the purchase and development of the Harold's cross greyhound stadium; if the site has been deemed suitable for the construction of a school; his views on whether planning permission will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28123/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Irish Greyhound Board has accepted an offer of €23m made by my Department for the acquisition of the Harold's Cross Greyhound Stadium property. The acquisition is subject to contract and a change in the zoning for the property in order to facilitate school development.

The offer to acquire the site was made in the context of the future need for school places in the area which will exceed current supply. Suitable potential school sites in the area are limited, and this site is ideally located given its relatively central location.

My Department's professional and technical staff have conducted a feasibility study of the Harold’s Cross site and this technical assessment concluded that the property is suitable for the provision of a significant level of school accommodation.

Officials from my Department have engaged in preliminary discussions with officials in Dublin City Council with respect to the potential development of the property. The development of school infrastructure on the site is contingent upon a change to the current zoning.  Subject to the required change to zoning, my Department will work closely with the Council officials to meet planning requirements.