John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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58. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the provision of a new Youthreach facility in Macroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26015/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter.

I am committed to reaching a solution for an appropriate Youthreach facility to be leased in Macroom.

My Department issued permission to Cork ETB to enter negotiations with Bus Éireann, the prospective landlord at the end of March.

A due diligence process must now be completed, which considers value for money, assessment of needs, climate targets and any procurement issues before a lease is sanctioned. Cork ETB was requested to provide monthly updates to SOLAS.

An application for a lease sanction is expected once clear cost estimates are in hand and building works are finalised. No definitive timeline for the submission of this application has been received from Cork ETB, but I understand that it may be submitted by the end of the summer.

I assure the Deputy that my Department, SOLAS and Cork ETB are very much engaged on this issue. They are working together to progress a facility that will create a suitable learning environment for all learners whilst adhering to the necessary requirements set in the relevant legislation and circulars.