Department of Education assessing Cliffoney National School application for extra accommodation

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Independent Councillor Marie Casserly has welcomed a positive update from the Minister for Education and Youth regarding the future development of Cliffoney National School following a motion she brought before the Sligo-Drumcliffe Municipal District.

The motion called on the Department of Education to purchase the former Primary Care Centre in Cliffoney to accommodate the present and future needs of the school, recognising the unique opportunity the adjacent building presents for the long-term development of education facilities in the village.

In a response received from Minister Hildegarde Naughton, the Department confirmed that it has received an application from Cliffoney National School under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme and that the application is currently under assessment.

The Department also confirmed that while a first tranche of school building projects progressed earlier this year under the National Development Plan, further projects will continue to be prioritised over the lifetime of the Plan. It stated that priority will be given to projects that maximise existing school capacity, address local demand for school places, provide value for money and meet educational needs. Once a decision has been made, the school authorities will be contacted directly.

Welcoming the update, Cllr Casserly said, “This is an encouraging response from the Department and confirms that Cliffoney National School’s application is actively being considered. While no decision has yet been made, it is positive that the school remains under assessment as further projects are identified for progression under the National Development Plan.”

“The former Primary Care Centre represents a rare opportunity to secure additional space beside the existing school campus. Acquiring the building would provide flexibility to meet both current and future educational needs while avoiding the need to seek an alternative site elsewhere.”

Cllr Casserly thanked her fellow councillors for supporting the motion and acknowledged the efforts of the Board of Management, school staff and wider community in advocating for the school’s future.

“Cliffoney is a growing community and it is essential that investment in educational infrastructure keeps pace with that growth. I will continue to engage with the Department of Education and our local Oireachtas members to ensure this project receives the priority it deserves. I look forward to a positive outcome for the school, its pupils, and the wider community.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.