Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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214. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a new school building project (details supplied) which is due to commence in 2019; if this school is being prioritised due to the continued deterioration of the prefabs which make up the school structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41891/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The building project referred to by the deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.

The project is currently working through the architectural planning process at Stage 2a (Developed Design) where the preferred option design is developed to a stage where the project is fully cost planned and prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.

My Department recently received the Stage 2a submission from the Design Team, which is now under review.  Following the Department’s review of the submission, a Stakeholders meeting will be arranged, to which the school will be invited, and if there are no issues outstanding after the Stage 2(a) meeting the project can be authorised to progress to Stage 2b (Detailed Design Stage).  This stage includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Certificate, Disability Access Certificate and the preparation of Tender Documents. 

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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215. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school (details supplied) which has been waiting for a new school build since 2006; if the school will be prioritised based on the increasing enrolment rate by 73% since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41892/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The project to deliver a new school building for the school to which the Deputy refers requires the acquisition of a suitable site.  The relevant local authority has been assisting my Department in this regard under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites.  Unfortunately, the site acquisition process has proved extremely challenging to date. However, a number of identified site options are currently being pursued and officials in both my Department and local authority are working to secure a site for the school as quickly as possible.

Once this site has been acquired, my Department will look to progress the project into the architectural planning process.