Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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793. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department is actively seeking alternative accommodation for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33349/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is actively seeking alternative accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers.

Senior Department Officials met with Kildare Wicklow ETB (KWETB) and the school on Wednesday, 23rd September to discuss the schools current arrangements and the immediate and future accommodation requirements for the school.

My Department has agreed to look at all potential options in the area in the short and medium term. This will include the provision of appropriate temporary accommodation, including specialist rooms, as quickly as possible as the current school year progresses.

Department Officials along with the school and KWETB also met with Greystones Lawn Tennis Club on Monday 28th September 2020 to discuss and request an extension to the existing arrangements. The Tennis Club have agreed to extend the current licence agreement until the end of December 2020 and are willing to consider extending beyond that, if required. Both the school and KWETB are aware of this development. Department Officials will continue to work closely with KWETB and the school to ensure the needs of the school community will be met.

I can confirm a potential permanent site option for the school has been identified and discussions are ongoing with the landowner with a view to acquiring this site.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the site acquisition process can be lengthy and there can be complex issues which need to be addressed during negotiations, technical assessments or conveyancing. Integral to this process is an examination of key factors such as cost, availability and deliverability. At all times my Department strives to obtain best value for the Exchequer. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is working to advance the site acquisition process for the school in question and work is ongoing to achieve this as soon as possible.