Strandhill NS extension

Dear Editor,

I wish to draw your attention to an article in the Champion this week entitled, ‘ Strandhill school extension.’

The article referred to the school extension for which planning permission is currently being sought.

The first half of the article focuses on an asbestos survey, but fails to point out that this was conducted in 2009, when the school had applied to replace the boiler. The impression given here is that this survey is based on our current planning application for an extension, which is not correct.

Reference is also made to the school boiler, stating that “the unit was a cause for concern and while plans are in place to replace it, the report recommends a full environmental clean of the boiler room by specialist asbestos removal contractors”.

This report again is based on a study carried out in 2009 and is no longer relevant since the boiler has been replaced and a full clean out of the boiler unit was carried out by specialist contractors subcontracted by the OPW.

If planning is granted the plan is to commence building in January and not during the holidays.

The overall impression given is that there was an asbestos problem which instigated a report. The extension, which is very positive news for the community, is portrayed as a secondary aspect in this article. Anne Ruane Principal Scoil Asicus