Another positive step forward for special school
THE end of a long and difficult road may finally be in sight for management, staff and students at St Patrick’s Special School as it was confirmed that quotes for the construction of their new school building are due to be submitted to the Department of Education by May 14, meaning that they may see a spade in the ground in around six months time.
Teachers and pupils had been forced to operate in facilities that were completely unfit for purpose for quite some time as the building of the new state of the art school faced delay after delay. So frustrated by the level of inaction was principal Lee Rogers that he erected a board outside of the school counting the days since the building was supposed to start. Now as it nears the 800 days mark, it seems like an end might finally be in sight after the tender process was activated on Tuesday of last week.
Minister Paul Kehoe confirmed that ground could be broken on the new school building within six months. ‘Huge credit to Lee Rogers, the school Principal and all of the parents and teachers who have pushed this so hard,’ he said. ‘I myself have repeatedly lobbied the department over St Patrick’s and I very much welcome this positive development.’
Fianna Fáil TD James Browne also welcomed the development, but said that the pressure would need to be maintained to see this out.
‘Over 700 days ago, St. Patrick’s were promised that the new school would be built,’ he said. ‘ This news serves as a hopeful sign that, if pressure is maintained, building works could commence during the summer. It’s vital that the Department of Education and Skills push ahead and ensure that no further delays affect the construction of the school.’