Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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132. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address the inappropriateness and shortfall in accommodation in respect of a Gaelcholáiste (details supplied) in Maynooth, County Kildare; the date on which a decision will issue regarding an options study; and if she will provide an update on the readiness of a site that has been identified. [33226/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, it is intended that the permanent accommodation needs of the school to which she refers will be met in a former school building which is in the ownership of the school patron.  In order to ensure that optimal use is made of this property, and in support of the achievement of Value for Money, the patron of the school appointed a consultant to undertake an Options Study of the property concerned.

The patron furnished a copy of this Options Study to my Department and this is currently being considered. My Department will engage with the patron further when this process has been completed.

In the interim, my Department has approved funding to the school's patron to undertake refurbishment works in a property to facilitate access to additional specialist accommodation by the school. This accommodation includes science, woodwork and home economics rooms.

The delivery of the refurbishment project has been devolved to the patron for delivery and the patron has advised my Department that the works are near completion.  My Department will continue to engage with the patron regarding the school's accommodation needs.