Still Waiting For New Gaelscoil In Kinsale
Writes Leo McMahon
Having received an e-mail from the Parents Association about the deteriorating conditions of the pre-fab buildings, members of Cork County Council’s Bandon-Kinsale Municipal District (MD) at their monthly meeting, unanimously supported a motion from Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) asking Minister for Education Richard Bruton for a full progress report on the proposed new Gaelscoil Chionn tSaile.
Cllr Murphy said the gaelscoil had grown substantially but was operating in pre-fabs since its inception 11 years ago. It was now urgent that a new school building to replace these be progressed and asked that an engineer’s report also be provided.
Cllr Gillian Coughlan (FF) seconded and in support cathaoirleach Rachel McCarthy (SF) said members saw for themselves from the e-mail the deteriorating conditions. The motion was adopted and it was agreed to write to the Minister with Cllr Coughlan suggesting a Department of Education official be invited to a meeting concerning this and other schools issues in the MD.
In a letter to all councillors, Coiste na dTuismitheori (Parents’ Association) wrote that during the winter, one of the classrooms had to be abandoned entirely due to a leaking room and attached photographs of same.
‘The school is on the list to commence building this year. However, our priomhoide has not been able to establish any timeline from the Department. The only information forthcoming is that negotiations are ongoing. This is the same answer received for three years. In addition, attempts to engage the Department on short term solutions have proved fruitless.’
Highlighting the frustration of staff and parents, the parents’ association urged councillors to engage with the Department on getting a permanent new building. ‘It is vital that tangible progress is made this year on this essential infrastructure. With exchequer receipts continuing to run at a surplus, I’m sure you agree that our children deserve better than this’.
In the Dail in February, Margaret Murphy-O’Mahony (FF) tabled a question to the Minister asking when work would commence.
The reply from the Minister Bruton was: ‘The Deputy will be aware that a building project for the school is included in my Department’s six year Capital Programme………..
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