Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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321. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of efforts to secure a permanent site for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42934/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the building project for the school in question is included in my Department's capital programme.

The acquisition of the permanent site for Malahide Portmarnock ETNS is at a very advanced stage of conveyancing. Once all contractual matters have been finalised the site will be assessed for Architectural Planning.

While a site acquisition process is underway, given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time.

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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322. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of a school site in Celbridge which has been identified as a preferred new location for three schools (details supplied); the delays currently being experienced; the resolution that presents to same; the timeline for progression of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42969/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, a new site will be required for a school campus development, in order to cater for the permanent needs of St. Patrick’s National School, Celbridge Community College and St. Raphael’s Special School. The Department is presently at a very advanced stage in the process of acquiring a suitable site, located at Donaghcumper.

I can confirm that agreement in principle has been reached with a landowner for the acquisition of the site and that ongoing work is progressing in respect of technical matters crucial to the delivery of the acquisition. These matters are being addressed at a technical & procedural level - as a priority. We are continuing to actively engage regularly with both Kildare Co. Co. and the Landowner, who is currently presenting a masterplan of the site as a whole.

The site acquisition process is complex and subject to completion of successful negotiation and conveyancing processes. Therefore, given the complexities involved it is not possible to give a definitive timeframe for the completion of the acquisition but my officials will endeavour to bring the process to a conclusion as soon as possible. It would be expected that once legal conveyancing commences, the project to deliver the new school accommodation can simultaneously progress to architectural planning stage.

Unfortunately, due to the very specific commercially sensitive nature of this site acquisition - I am unable to elaborate further but please rest assured that this project is considered a priority and is being given our full attention.

I can assure the Deputy that the project is a priority and is being given the appropriate attention by my Officials.