Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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32. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his recent engagements in relation to a facility (details supplied); if he will provide clarity regarding the ongoing situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36774/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Ice Dome was purchased by Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) as part of a wider sports complex in 2014. The major part of this complex has been refurbished and is fully in use as DkIT Sports, providing an essential facility for the student body.

DkIT has briefed the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on its current plans with regard to the Ice Dome facility and the HEA is, in turn, keeping my Department updated on the situation.

It is the intention of DkIT to secure a lease arrangement for the Ice Dome building and I am advised that it is proactively pursuing that course of action. Such negotiations are a matter for DkIT directly, under the oversight of its Governing Body, and with the appropriate property and legal advice.

In the event that a long term lease is agreed in principle for the facility, this will be brought by DkIT to the HEA for review and approval in the first instance. The HEA will then make a recommendation to me, taking account of strategic, operational and financial issues relevant to the institution.