Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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66. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of engagements that have taken place with the landowner of a proposed new school site (details supplied), if there has been engagement with the council planners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35346/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Memorandum of Understanding in place between Local Authorities and my Department in respect of the acquisition of suitable sites for schools officials in my Department continue to liaise with officials in Cork City Council in relation to a site for the school in respect of which the Deputy is enquiring.

A number of site options have been identified and assessed by my Department in conjunction with officials from Cork City Council. Unfortunately in the case of most of these options, either the land could not be acquired from the landowner or the site was ultimately considered unfeasible to develop. However, two potential site options have been identified and negotiations are under way. These site options include potential campus arrangements with Le Chéile Secondary School.

There is ongoing active engagement with the Cork City Council, including with their planners in the context of the ongoing Development Plan review process. This consists of a number communications via phone calls, emails and conference calls.

I appreciate that the process is taking a considerable length of time but I can assure you that the acquisition of a suitable site for the school is very active on the programme of site acquisitions and every effort is being made to secure a suitable site for the school as expeditiously as possible.

The Deputy will appreciate that negotiations in respect of site acquisitions are, by their nature, sensitive and for that reason I am not in a position to provide further information at this time.