Schools in temporary buildings to be prioritised under National Development Plan

The Irish government, through Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton, has pledged to prioritize schools in temporary accommodation under the upcoming National Development Plan. This announcement comes after a visit to Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré in Sligo, a school that has been operating from inadequate facilities since 1996. The Minister acknowledged the frustration of the school community, including the principal Liz Nic Searraigh, who highlighted issues with heating, ventilation, and the unsuitability of prefabricated classrooms.

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We have ten prefabricated classrooms that are not fit for purpose… heating that doesn’t maintain a solid temperature and ventilation’s an issue as well.

While the government has committed to tendering and constructing 105 school projects over the next two years, Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré was not included in the initial January announcement. This omission caused significant disappointment, as the school serves 208 students and has been advocating for a permanent solution. Minister Naughton's visit aimed to address these concerns directly, assuring the school that it would be a priority for the 2028/2029 plan due to its temporary status.

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Priority will be for schools that don't currently have a home or in are in a temporary facility.

The visit also included a stop at Scoil Ursula and the Ursuline College, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary. While the Ursuline College is also seeking a new school project, the immediate focus for the Department of Education appears to be on addressing the most pressing needs of schools in temporary facilities, such as Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré. The commitment to prioritize these schools reflects a recognition of the unacceptable conditions faced by students and staff in such situations.

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Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré will be a prioritisation project because they’re in a temporary facility.