Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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57. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a site will be purchased to accommodate the three school campus in Buncrana, County Donegal; the timeline of works to ensure that the school campus is completed as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21982/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware the project in respect of the education campus in Buncrana is included on my Department's capital programme.

My Department is working closely with Donegal County Council in relation to the proposed site acquisition. Unfortunately, the site acquisition process to date has been protracted due to technical challenges with identified site options and difficulties in reaching agreement with landowners.

A number of options are available to progress the site acquisition process, and a significant amount has been undertaken by both Council and Department officials in order to thoroughly appraise these in order to ensure Value for Money for the State. Officials in my Department are currently finalizing the agreed next steps with Council officials in order to bring matters to a conclusion at the earliest possible date. A definitive end date for conclusion of negotiations will then be communicated to the landowner and the school authorities.

Once the site acquisition is complete the project can progress to architectural planning stage.