A spate of vandalism at the former Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh in An Cimín Mór, off the Cappagh Road, has led to fears there will be further delays in the Knocknacarra Educate Together National School relocating to the Gaelscoil building.
The vandalism has occurred in recent weeks and resulted in windows being broken in both the school building and its pre-fabs. Galway City West councillor Donal Lyons has this week made representations to Department of Education officials regarding his "serious concerns" over the vandalism". He has called on the Department to "immediately secure" the building so "no further damage could be caused". However he is still awaiting a reply.
The building has been vacant since January, when Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh teachers and pupils moved into their new premises adjacent to Millars Lane. It was generally intended that the former Gaelscoil would become the new home of the Educate Together National School which is in temporary accommodation close to the RSA building at Gateway Retail Park. However the Department has not contacted the school with regard to its moving.
The matter is to be raised in the Dáil by Independent Galway West TD Noel Grealish, who is to ask the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton, "what steps the Department is taking to prevent vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the old Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh".
"It is in the interest of the Educate Together National School to be given the go-ahead to move into the former school building as soon as is feasible," said Cllr Lyons. "It is vital the Department of Education get its act together and have the building secured and the necessary works carried out so that the Educate Together School can move into their new permanent home as soon as possible."
