A new school for Colaiste na Coiribe has been approved for immediate inclusion in the Department of Education’s Capital Programme, and could be completed by 2013.
The school was to be included in the next round of Public Private Partnerships announced by the Department, but is now to be included in the Department’s capital programme.
As a result, Department officials will be making contact with Colaiste na Coiribe immediately to commence architectural planning with the aim of completing the project by 2013.
The news has been welcomed by Independent Galway West TD Noel Grealish. The school was one of his “key priorities” during his negotiations with the Taoiseach in return for his support of the Government.
“The indicative timeframe for delivering a PPP bundle currently stands at four years from the date the bundle is announced,” he said, “so inclusion in the capital programme is excellent news for teachers, parents, and students of Colaiste na Coiribe.”
He said the news will also be welcomed by the school’s teachers and students who have been “working in cramped conditions at various sites around the city”.
The announcement of this project is also welcomed by Independent councillor Donal Lyons, who is chair of the VEC and who has also led a long campaign for the new school.
Green senator Niall Ó Brolcháin, who has alos lobbied for the school, said the “establishment of a permanant Irish speaking secondary school will be great for Galway city”.
There was further good news for schools this week, with the announcement of funding for works at various east Galway schools.
Scoil Naomh Colmán, Gort, has been approved funding for a resource room, Aughrim national school also secured funding for roof works, while funding has also been allocated for sewerage works at Milltown National School.
The announcements have been welcomed by Fianna Fáil Galway East TD Noel Treacy. He said the building section of the Department of Education will be in touch with the schools soon to advise on how to proceed with planning for the works.
