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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Coachford College development

Summary

Aindrias Moynihan urges prioritisation of a proposed 1,000-student Coachford College; the Taoiseach says the Department awaits Cork ETB’s stage 2b submission before technical assessment and capital-programme prioritisation.

Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Very good. We move now to Deputy Aindrias Moynihan.

Comment on this

I need to raise with the Taoiseach the situation at Coachford College. There is a major plan for a new 1,000-student school, but it is not on the Department of education's priority list. It really needs to be. Two and a half years have been spent on getting planning permission, with the education and training board, ETB, going through issues with the council and Irish Water. There is real concern that once that is resolved, the project will still have to wait to go through tendering and so on with the Department of education or that we will even have to wait for a new programme and that, as a result, the planning permission will expire. There is a real need for the Department to review the priority list and include Coachford College on it.

Irish Water also needs to step up to the plate in respect of Coachford. There is a brand new treatment plant, and the existing Coachford College has a connection to it. The new school should be given access to water services. Coachford College has great standing. It serves a huge community in Ovens, Aherla, Cloughduv, Crookstown, Canovee, Farran, Rusheen, Rylane, Aghabullogue, Donaghmore, Berrings and Dripsey-----

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Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

The Deputy's time is up. The Taoiseach to respond.

Comment on this

-----and they really need to get access to a school of the best quality.

Comment on this

I thank the Deputy very much. It is a great school. I was there many years ago in my capacity as Minister for Education and so forth. My understanding is that the Department of education is awaiting the submission of stage 2b material from Cork ETB in respect of this project. When that is received, it will be looked at from a technical and cost perspective. Obviously, as the Deputy said, there is an issue about the overall prioritisation of the project in terms of the school capital programme. The issue relating to Irish Water is also a factor. The note I have states that it is expected that the stage 2b material will be submitted in quarter 3. That needs to happen as quickly as possible.

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