Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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421. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address a series of matters in relation to the amalgamation of three schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6248/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department approved the amalgamation of the three post primary schools in question, following an application from the schools' Patrons.

My Department recently approved a large capital project under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme to faciliate the amalgamation and this has been agreed and devolved to the school authority for delivery.

The initial approval for the amalgamation was for it to occur when the new school building was completed. However at the request of the patrons, the Department agreed to the amalgamation taking effect from September 2022. The Department has been in engagement with the patrons in respect of the school accommodation and the patrons are, in turn liaising with their respective school communities on proposed arrangements pending the delivery of the new accommodation.

Appointment of the Design Team was confirmed in October 2021 and progression of the project currently lies with the School Authority as the Department awaits a design submission.