Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness has welcomed confirmation that the Department of Education has approved a major expansion of Scoil Gharbháin in Dungarvan, describing it as an important breakthrough following years of campaigning and pressure from the school community.
The development will provide four additional mainstream classrooms, two Special Educational Needs (SEN) classrooms and three Special Education Teaching (SET) rooms.
Deputy McGuinness said:
“This is a very significant development for Scoil Gharbháin. The school has been dealing with serious accommodation pressures for years, and this expansion is badly needed.
“I have been involved in campaigning for this project over a number of years, including working with the school to secure the acquisition of the land necessary to facilitate the development. I am delighted that we have reached this point, and I know how much it means to the school community.
“But we should also be honest: getting to this stage has taken far too long. Schools and their communities should not have to spend years fighting for the basic accommodation they need. Today’s approval is welcome, but it is only the first step. What matters now is getting the project delivered, without further delays.
“I will continue to engage directly with the Department of Education to ensure that the necessary steps are taken promptly, that communication with the school is maintained and that this project does not become bogged down in further delays.
“I want to pay tribute to the principal, Sinéad Uí Ruairc, the Board of Management, teachers, staff and parents who have continued to push for this development. I was very glad to work alongside them and other local representatives in advancing the project.
“I have a personal connection to Scoil Gharbháin, having attended the school myself. It is a tremendous school, providing children with a fantastic, well-rounded education and serving a growing Irish-language community in Dungarvan.
“We also need to recognise that demand for education through Irish is growing. More parents are recognising its benefits and choosing Irish-medium education for their children. Government has a responsibility to match that demand with proper investment and forward planning.
“That includes ensuring adequate accommodation for Naíonra Gharbháin, which is an important part of the wider school and Irish-language community, and expanding the availability of Irish-medium education across early years, primary and secondary education throughout Waterford city and county.
“We should be encouraging and supporting the growth of Irish-medium education, not allowing a lack of classrooms, facilities or planning to hold it back.”