| New school finally sanctioned for Springdale |
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| Thursday, 09 October 2008 | |
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A NORTHSIDE primary school that has been campaigning for the construction of new facilities for over nine years has finally received confirmation that long overdue work is to go ahead. Earlier this year, Northside People highlighted the situation at Springdale National School, Raheny, which has been waiting since 2001 for a new building to be sanctioned by the Department of Education. We reported how classrooms were affected by dampness running down the walls. Mousetraps had to be set every night and the principal, Stella Downes, had to use her car as an office. Ms Downes told Northside People that her pupils are over the moon with the news that they will be receiving new facilities after such a long wait. “It is a bit late as we have just spent money on a new roof but it certainly is better late than never,” said Ms Downes. “It will totally change our lives – the current building is one third the size it should be for our needs.” Ms Downes described how she went from class to class playing the voicemail that contained the great news for the pupils. “They were overjoyed,” she added. “They have worked long and hard to raise funds for the school. “There were shrieks of joy after the good news. The students have heard talk about the new school for years and I think they thought they would never see it.” The project will consist of a new six-classroom school and a new ball court and play area. The existing building will be demolished. The project will now go to tender with a view to work commencing in the first half of 2009.” Minister of State at the Department of Education, Sean Haughey, said the teachers, parents and pupils who have campaigned for improved facilities for some years will be delighted with the news. “I have consistently advanced the case of this school and I warmly welcome the decision to sanction this project,” stated Minister Haughey. “I have no doubt that the students of Springdale will be happy with their new state–of–the-art building and I hope that construction can be completed in the shortest possible timeframe.” Local Peace Commissioner Martin McGettigan has also welcomed the announcement. “I was contacted last March by concerned parents and immediately met with the principal Stella Downes and was appalled by the condition of the school,” Mr McGettigan told Northside People. “I contacted the Minister for Education at the time, Mary Hanafin, and met with INTO General Secretary John Carr, who assured me that the school would be added to his high priority list. Dublin North East Senator Martin Brady (FF) has also welcomed Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe’s announcement. "I understand that officials from the Department of Education will shortly be contacting the school about the next steps they should take,” said Senator Brady. |
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Developed by Kevin Flynn