Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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137. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her officials have met with Meath County Council to commence the pre-planning process for additional buildings at a school (details supplied) and the pre-planning process for the permanent school building on the site; if an update will be provided on the purchase by her Department of the site; if she will agree to commence the planning process for the permanent building in parallel with the process for the additional temporary facilities; when the permanent building is expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30021/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, agreement in principle has been reached to acquire a site for the permanent location of the school in question. The location of the permanent site will incorporate the current temporary site at Mill Road, Drogheda at which the school is currently located. Officials in my Department are working together to manage the site acquisition, interim accommodation and the development of the permanent school building in consultation with the landowner and Council officials to develop the required school facilities as expeditiously as possible.

I can confirm that the the school building project has moved to the delivery stage and a pre planning meeting has taken place with the Local Authority in relation to the planned development of the school site for both the interim and permanent accommodation. Once statutory approvals have been secured, the project will proceed to tender and construction stages.

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.