Questions raised why funding not released to advance approved works at Grange school

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A motion before the March meeting of Sligo-Drumcliffe Municipal District tabled by Cllr Edel McSharry sought reasons for the delay in the release of funds for works to completed for the canteen at Grange Post Primary School.

Cllr McSharry’s motion said: “This project has already been approved and the delay is adversely affecting the school’s operations.”

Addressing the meeting, which was held in the unique setting of the Spanish Armada Centre in Grange, Cllr McSharry said, “It will be great when the new school is built but that will take a number of years. The delay is in terms of the Department of Education releasing funding for works.

"I am asking that we write and ask why the delay when the money is there and the project is approved. We need to make sure we keep it the nest possible learning environment.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Marie Casserly who said, “I don’t know what the delay is. Getting a response is very difficult.”

When asked by Cllr Donal Gilroy if it was known what the reason for the delay is, Cllr McSharry replied, “Not that I am aware of.” She continued, “I am making the motion so we can move along the process. I have made lots of inquiries and will continue to do so.”

Cllr Thomas Healy offered his support for the motion as did Cllr Thomas Walsh who remarked, “The school is at capacity, it’s a bad state of affairs. It’s going on too long and it is a simple fix.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.