Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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737. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans in place for the development of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32719/20]

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 it on my Department's behalf.

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.

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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738. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the school building project at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32720/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major building project to which the Deputy refers is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.

The project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.

Following the Stage 2(a) Stakeholders meeting the school agreed to the addition of a 2 classroom SEN base to the project brief and a Stage 2(a) Addendum report for this change to the brief has been submitted to the Department for review and approval.

Upon approval of the Stage 2(a) Addendum the Design Team will proceed to lodge applications for the statutory approvals for the project. When these have been secured the Design Team will proceed to prepare the tender documents and finalise the Stage 2(b) report.

Upon completion of the Stage 2(b) report, it will then be submitted to the Department for review.

Upon receipt and review of the completed Stage 2(b) report, the Department will revert to Board of Management with regard to the further progression of the project at that time.