Emergency works to progress after Sligo Gaelscoil and Ursuline College hold constructive talks with Minister and local Government TDs

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

There has been a positive reaction to talks between Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton, local Government TDs Frank Feighan, Marian Harkin and Eamon Scanlon and delegations from Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré and Ursuline College Sligo with a commitment given to expediting emergency issues at both schools to ensure student and staff safety as an interim measure.

The meetings were described by Deputy Harkin as a “Constructive and worthwhile discussion” while Deputy Feighan reported, “Both sides made good progress.”

The Gaelscoil delegation which consisted of Bartley Ó Gabháin (Cathaoirleach), Mícheál Ó Broin (former Principal), and Liz Nic Searraigh (Principal) described the meeting as “Constructive, with the Minister acknowledging the urgency of the situation.” Following the conclusion of the talks, a statement on behalf of Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré said, “Minister Naughton confirmed the Department of Education and Youth will engage immediately with the school to progress emergency works aimed at ensuring the immediate and ongoing safety of the school community and improving the condition of existing classrooms as an interim measure.”

During discussions, the Gaelscoil delegation highlighted the cumulative impact of repeated delays, as well as the difficulties created by national prioritisation decisions and ongoing constraints on capital funding for school building projects.

While officials confirmed that Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré remains included in the ADAPT Programme and retains its status at Stage 2A, the delegation emphasised the urgency of securing Stage 2A approval which would in turn enable progression to Stage 2B of the programme.

The Minister committed to continued engagement with the schools and indicated her willingness to meet again. She also advised that she will seek a visit to the Sligo schools to view the accommodation challenges at first hand. The Gaelscoil community expressed their thanks to all the local elected representatives and stakeholders and urges them to continue advocating for the prioritisation of this project, recognising the clear and pressing need for safe, modern, and fit-for-purpose accommodation for current and future pupils.

In advance of the meeting Cllr Marie Casserly highlighted issues concerning Grange PPS and St. Edward’s NS, Sligo, asking that they be included in these discussions, given their pressing need for long-awaited funding and essential improvements. In correspondence issued to local TDs in advance of the meeting with Minister Naughton, Cllr Casserly highlighted the plight of both schools. In relation to St Edward’s NS she said, “This school has also been waiting for many years for this essential investment, and the continued delays are having a significant impact on students and staff.” Cllr Casserly also addressed conditions at Grange PPS saying, “This school has likewise been awaiting necessary funding for a considerable period.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.