Plans to acquire land for a three school campus in Inishowen are “progressing positively” according to Fine Gael.
Fine Gael members Mickey Doherty and Michelle McKenna have confirmed positive news on the planned major new schools project in Buncrana.
The proposed three school campus will be home to Crana College secondary school, Buncrana Gaelscoil and the second level Gaelcolaiste Coláiste Chineál Eoghain.
Ms McKenna received an update on the negotiations to secure a site for the school development.
“We are getting good indications of progress on the ambitious plans for a three school campus in Buncrana,” Ms McKenna said.
“The project is a major piece of work and will revitalise education in the town and inspire a new era of teaching and bring a whole new dimension to the school community in Inishowen.
“In recent days I have been told that negotiations with the landowner of the preferred site for the three school campus are progressing quite positively.
“I would like to thank Donegal TD and Minister for the Irish language, Gaeltacht and the Islands Joe McHugh for continuing to raise the project on behalf of people of Inishowen and Buncrana.
“I understand that once the acquisition of the site is finalised then the architects can be called on to begin the technical planning.”
Mr Doherty, who was selected last week to be co-opted on to Donegal County Council, also welcomed the latest update on the work to secure the campus site.
Mr Doherty said: “I am also told that a significant amount of work has been done by both Donegal County Council and the Department of Education in order to fully evaluate the options available to acquire the land and to assess value for money.
“The project is part of the Capital Programme in the Department of Education and the County Council will be kept up to speed on developments by Government officials over the coming weeks and months.
“It would be a truly valuable development for the future generations of Inishowen.”
Minster McHugh, Government Chief Whip, recently met with principals and school representatives involved in the project after receiving correspondence from Minster for Education Richard Bruton indicating positive progress on the land acquisition.
“Securing the right land for this project would be a milestone in terms of education in Inishowen,” Mr McHugh said.
“It would give that bit of additional reassurance that the project will be delivered and I will continue to raise this at Cabinet level with Minister Bruton. I am delighted to hear that progress is being made.”
Tags: