Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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156. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will move to a compulsory purchase order of land in Buncrana, County Donegal to secure the long delayed sites for new schools and campuses for schools (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the emergency this long delay has created for the teachers, children and students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26202/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware the acquisition of a suitable site to provide new school accommodation has proved to be extremely challenging to date. My Department is working with Donegal County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites. A preferred site has been identified. Donegal County Council, in consultation with my Department, have appointed an agent to undertake negotiations and engagement with the landowner.

While my Department does not have the power to undertake a compulsory purchase order where this is considered appropriate it can request the local authority to undertake a CPO.

Due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations process it is not possible to comment further at this time.

The priority for both my Department and Donegal County Council is to secure a suitable site for the school campus at the earliest possible date so that the project can progress to design and securing planning permission.