Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

87. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the development of a new secondary school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49941/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the school to which he refers is included in my Department’s 6 year construction programme. The acquisition of a suitable site is required to facilitate this project.

With the assistance of officials in Fingal County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites a number of site options were identified. These were comprehensively assessed and a preferred site option has been identified. Negotiations with the landowner in respect of the proposed acquisition of this site are currently at an advanced stage and officials are working to bring matters to a conclusion at the earliest possible date.

Due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions generally, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to provide further details at this time but I can confirm that the school patron is being kept appraised of developments in respect of the site acquisition process.

Once the site for the school is secured the project to deliver the school's permanent accommodation can progress into architectural planning. In the interim the school is based since September 2018 at the former Institute of Horology property, Mill Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 on a temporary basis.