Progress for Craughwell national school
Craughwell National School’s extension project will be submitted to the Department of Education for approval in early January, Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney has reported.
Minister Canney said that this a very important project for the community of Craughwell.
When construction is completed, the school will be significantly enhanced. The school’s project consists of a two-storey extension of 1,628 sq metres to the existing school that will replace prefab classrooms.
“It will include eight classrooms, a general purpose sports hall, a multi-purpose room, offices for administration and the principal, a lift, toilets, car parking and a drop-off and pick-up area.
“Meanwhile emergency works at the school are progressing well.The school received approval for funding from the Department of Education for roof repairs in September this year,” he added.
Lynch highlights need for community centre
Community activist and former election candidate Donal Lynch has called on Galway City Council to expedite plans to construct a community centre for the youth and communities of the east side of the city.
With the construction of 58 residential units on the Old Monivea road, Ballybane, and the proposed development of 124 residential units on the Castle Park road to the rear of the John Paul centre adjacent to Coillte Mhuirlinne, Mr Lynch is asking Galway City council and the local elected representatives to advance plans for the development of a new Community Centre and sports and recreational facilities for the youth and elderly residents in the area.
“As the population of the east side of Galway city is growing and as people from all different nationalities and ethnic groupsare moving into the area, community groups and organisations have become essential to the development of this area.
Mr Lynch, a community activist for Galway City East feels that the need for a multicultural recreational community centre is now essential and must become a priority with the growth in population and especially with new residential developments coming on stream.
“Challenges arise to ensure that the proper infrastructures are put in place to cater for this diverse and expanding community. It is essential that people’s needs are catered for. A recreational and community faciliity’s main purpose is to provide opportunities for healthy active living in a safe inclusive environment by creating a positive atmosphere.
“These facilities become essential to personal health and wellness. A community centre provides people with the opportunity to work and organise together for the benefit of their community. It also provides a meeting place for voluntary organisations and other groups in the community, which is essential to any area,” he said.
Donal Lynch feel that it in order to build a good community spirit, you need a focal point to work from and it starts with a meeting place for all age groups.
“I strongly feel that Galway City East needs this facility as it is the fibre that grows people and communities going forward. It is so important that we invest in our youth and show them that we care and the least we can do is give them a safe secure environment to grow and mature in before any more large-scale residential development materialize in the Galway City East area,” he concluded, adding that he is calling for interaction on the matter between the City Council and local residents.
