Approval for construction of two new school buildings for Scoil Chaitríona in Renmore, has been hailed as both “long overdue” and a “huge boost” by politicians on the east side of the city.
The development on the school site will see two 24 classroom schools built in addition to special classes. Scoil Chaitríona Junior School caters for boys and girls from junior infants to second class, while Scoil Chaitríona Senior School caters for boys and girls from third class to sixth class.
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“Both schools are vital resources for the area and are excellently run by their respective principals, Marianne Brady and Caitriona Daly, along with their boards of management,” said Fianna Fáil councillor, Mike Crowe [pictured above]. “This announcement is a reflection of their outstanding work, and that of their school staff. The new buildings will safeguard the future of these schools which have served their communities so well for almost 50 years.”
For Independent councillor, Terry O’Flaherty [pictured below], the new school building is “long overdue”. She noted that the school caters for a total of 766 pupils - 385 boys and 381 girls, and that they are “currently being taught in leaking, draughty, and cold pre-fabs long past their use-by date”.
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She said: “Pupils and the teachers have had to put up with awful conditions, so I couldn’t be happier for the children and staff who can now look forward to new, modern, classrooms and schools, with the most up-to-date equipment.”
The approval follows the visit to the school last week by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Education, Norma Foley. Cllr O’Flaherty had held a meeting with Minister Foley on the state of the school last year, while Fianna Fáil representatives have also been liaising with the Minister on this issue.
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“This was a key commitment given by the party before the last general election,” said Senator Ollie Crowe, "and I am delighted that the Taoiseach and Minister Foley have ensured it was fulfilled. Councillors Alan Cheevers [pictured above] and Mike Crowe, and myself, have been pushing the Department to ensure this long overdue project was finally given the go ahead so it’s brilliant news and much needed.”
