Local TD Jennifer Whitmore has welcomed the news that the Minister for Education has notified Greystones Community College, and Gaelcholaiste na Mara, Arklow, that their building projects have been confirmed going forward. This news follows the announcement last month of a delay to building projects for 58 schools nationally.
Speaking today the Wicklow TD said:
“Today’s news is very welcome indeed. It was incredibly worrying for the school communities when it was first discovered their building programmes had been included on the list of 58 school projects that had been delayed. I know how hard the communities in both Greystones Community College and Gaelcholaiste na Mara have worked to get them over the line.
“At the time I called on the Minister to do everything in her power to get these plans back on track.
It is unfortunate that Ministers Foley and Madigan let this happen in the first place, but I am glad that they are rectifying the situation now.
“Knowing their school buildings are on the way allows principals and boards of management to plan for future years intake. It also means teachers can plan to deliver the curriculum in years ahead knowing they will have the facilities they have need in their classrooms.
“There are still several other schools across Wicklow which are waiting to hear from the Department about their own building projects. These include North Wicklow Educate Together, Blessington Community College, Blessington Educate Together National School and Wicklow Town Educate Together Secondary School.
“I have been working with principals and schools around Wicklow for years now who are trying to get their schools up and running. They are trying to teach children in insufficient accommodation, manage growing intakes every year and keep their school communities going. They should be able to plan in the knowledge that the Department will deliver what they have promised.
“I will continue to work with schools across the county to get their building programmes underway and delivered on time.”
