Frustration over delays to three Sligo school projects as Ministerial intervention sought to ensure completion

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

There was widespread support for a motion raised by Cllr Marie Casserly at the December meeting of Sligo County Council which urged “Sligo County Council call on the Minister for Education to immediately release funding to progress the urgently needed school building projects at Gaelscoil Cnoc na Ré, Urusuline College and Grange Post Primary School, all of which are facing serious delays and health and safety concerns, with the Ursuline project at risk of losing planning permission.”

Cllr Casserly’s motion urges “This Council further requests that the Minister prioritise these Sligo schools and provide a clear timeline for the release of funding and commencement of construction.”

Addressing the meeting Cllr Casserly expressed her “Frustration at the lack of progress,” noting “All three projects are well advanced but stalled.”

Cllr Casserly noted the current location for the Gaelscoil is “Completely unsuitable for the schools needs,” where €181,000 is spent annually on prefabs.

In relation to the Ursuline College, Cllr Casserly said “€2m of taxpayers money has been spent on consultants on the Ursuline. If planning permission lapses at the Ursuline it will be a catastrophic waste of public resources.”

Calling for government assistance, Cllr Casserly said, “I am asking for the Minister to personally intervene. It is not fair on the students, teachers, parents or wider school community.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Thomas Healy who said, “The way the Gaelscoil has been treated for so long is disgraceful. We need to send a clear message we are unhappy.”

Cllr Michael Clarke made reference to the protest that was held outside County Hall prior to the meeting commencing saying, “I heard the students outline their frustrations. If we are to be serious about protecting Irish language and tradition the Gaelscoil should be supported.”

Cllr Clarke hit out at the government for, “Huge announcements, no delivery.”

Cllr Fergal Nealon also backed the motion saying, “We need to prioritise the Gaelscoil. I have been made aware that Minister Feighan organised a meeting with Minister Helen McEntee very recently. As a follow-up he has contacted the new Minister for Education.”

Cllr Ann Higgins also spoke in favour saying, “It is down to political choices, we have the money.” She expressed her frustration that “Nothing is happening,” adding, “We cannot get the money that is required.”

Cllr Arthur Gibbons highlighted the work being done within the school community but lamented the conditions they are operating under.

"It has progressed from strength to strength,” he noted, adding, “It is a mish mash of prefabs and kids are interrupted with work going on.”

Cllr Gibbons referred to the site the promised new school will be housed on saying, “A site was identified a number of year ago. That site will not be there for much longer.

"I would appeal to Frank Feighan to use his position to get this school up and running. I ask him to use his influence in whatever way he can, It is 30 years in the pipeline.”

A motion tabled by Cllr Edel McSharry also focused on the issue of school infrastructure, in particular the Ursuline College, and was heard alongside Cllr Casserly's motion.

Cllr McSharry’s motion stated, “The Ursuline College building project was approved in principal 11 years ago and was given the go-ahead under former Minister Norma Foley in 2021, yet it remains stalled at Stage 2B with no progression to tender. The school, serving over 750 students, is operating in ageing and inadequate facilities that no longer meet the educational or infrastructural standards required.

Therefore I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Education and Youth to direct the Department to immediately release the required capital funding and allow the project to proceed to tender without further delay.

"Furthermore, to write to all Sligo-Leitrim TDs and junior ministers, asking them to urgently seek a meeting with the Minister to expedite this long overdue project.”

Addressing the meeting Cllr McSharry said, “After 175 years of educating young women, the infrastructure is falling behind.

Cllr McSharry added, “This project needs to be allowed to go to tender.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.