James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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104. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has an interest in the site of a school (details supplied); if he envisages future use by his Department for the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45551/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The property referred to by the Deputy is not in my ownership. However, in common with other buildings of its kind, where significant grant aid is provided by my Department for the development of school premises, investment is secured by way of a long-term legal agreement known as a charging lease. There is a charging lease in place on the property referred to by the Deputy dated 2nd July, 1956 for 99 years, which means I have a vested interest in the property.

In circumstances where a property has ceased to be used as a school, and a request is received to release the State's interest secured under a charging lease, such requests are considered in the context of the specific circumstances which pertain to the individual property. I can confirm that my Department has received a request from the property owners to release my interest in the property. My Department has been in contact with the property owner regarding its future use by Waterford Wexford ETB for educational purposes.