Clonbonny National School reopened its doors on Wednesday morning following weeks of cohesive preparation.
Fianna Fáil Councillor, Frankie Keena, was present as the pupils returned for their first day of school since mid-March but expressed his immense disappointment that his request for additional measures to create a space-centric environment remained had not come to fruition.
“I had requested that the Department of Education provide a portacabin for the staff and pupils of Clonbonny NS prior to their return to school as space is a major issue on site presently and I am disappointed that my appeal has not come to fruition as of yet.
“At present, teachers have had to forego the use of their staff room as it was necessary to convert this particular space into a classroom so as to comply with social distancing measures. Additionally, one classroom comprises 37 pupils, a teacher and a Special Needs Assistant.
“Furthermore, what gives cause for immense concern is the school’s isolation room which is a garden shed with no lighting or heating. This is wholly unacceptable and completely unfair as teachers, pupils and parents adapt to new education surroundings.
“Immediate action must be taken to rectify these issues and I hope that the Department will act accordingly,” Cllr. Keena asserted.
