Deputy Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow has warmly welcomed the news that Wicklow County Council has granted Cairns planning permission for the new building for Greystones Community College in Charlesland. Deputy Whitmore has helped to campaign for a new school build and has welcomed what she says, “will be a new dawn for the school community”.
Deputy Whitmore says, “I’m in no doubt of the excitement within the school community of this news, which have fought long and hard for a proper school building. Now they can begin to look forward to a future with more certainty and develop a sense of place for students in future. It is amazing to think how well they have done to build a safe and welcoming school environment in a sports facility and with additional temporary accommodation across the road. Now they can look forward to a fully equipped, permanent school home.
“I also hope that this news brings reassurances to the Principal, teachers, staff and students who have experienced so many changes over the past year especially during the school places crisis in the area last year. It has been a difficult transition for the school while searching for more accommodation during a pandemic. It wasn’t easy, but they did tremendous work to keep persevering.
“These processes can take a long time and while it’s not possible at this stage to have a timeline for completion of the school building, it’s important that urgency is given to this project. Acquiring planning permission is one of the hardest hurdles when building a new school which is why this news is so important. It means, the Department of Education can begin focusing on tendering the construction project as soon as possible.
“I am now urging the Department to do what it can to prevent any unnecessary delays” concludes Whitmore.
Also speaking on the news, Cllr Jodie Neary says “this is a very welcome development after a long road for the school community. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work they have done to get this far. The Department needs to reflect that by making sure this project is a priority so the students can enjoy their new school as soon as possible” concludes Cllr Neary.
