Minister Martin Heydon TD has said that the long wait for progress on a new school build for Colasite Iosagain, Portlarlington is nearly over as the Department of Education provided an update on the status and progress of the project.
“The major building project to design and build a new school for Coláiste Íosagáin in Portarlington is currently at Stage 1 of Architectural Planning, which entails preliminary site and design options. This stage has taken considerable time as different options and sizes for the new school were considered.
“The Department have said that it is anticipated that the Stage 1 Report will be finalised and submitted to the Department within a month, for review, with a date to be arranged for presentation by the Design Team to the school and the Department.”
“While it is good to see progress expected on the project, the length of time that is has taken to get this far is a source of concern and frustration for staff, parents and students alike.
“Similar to many areas, the pressure for school places around Portarlington, particularly at secondary level has increased significantly in recent years and needs to be addressed. Progress is well advanced on a new school build for St Pauls in Monasterevin which also experienced significant delays in its progress.
I continue to highlight these concerns and delays to Minister Norma Foley and her Department to highlight the need for speedy progress in the area and I will continue to push for more progress on a new school for Colaiste Iosagain.