The provision of a new building for the school to which the Deputy refers necessitates the acquisition of a new site and a suitable site has been identified. My Department sought the assistance of Westmeath County Council in acquiring the site and requested that they commence negotiations, with the landowners, with a view to securing title to the lands and transferring these lands to me. I understand that discussions with the land owners did not result in agreement and that the Council has initiated a compulsory purchase order to acquire the lands. As part of the process, I understand that the land owners were served with the appropriate notices.
When the site is acquired, a project for the school will be considered within the context of my Department's Multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department and the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including the school referred to by the Deputy, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.