It is taking ten years to build a school in Kildare
Concern rises over a lack of school places
It’s taking ten years to provide a school in County Kildare.
Local politicians are under pressure from local residents as the population increases and school places disappear and they have criticised the Department of Education.
A number of councillors sought information from Kildare County Council about interactions with the department.
According to KCC official Alan Dunney the council meets the department four times a year and planned and proposed projects are discussed at these meetings.
He added that information about progress on these projects is available on the department’s website.
He said 24 projects are at various stages of development in County Kildare and this information is updated every two months. He said the council works with the department to get school projects through the planning stages.
Mr Dunney also said the council has recently liaised with the department specifically in relation to Kildare town, Maynooth and Newbridge “in addition to discussing ongoing projects elsewhere throughout the county.”
A Kildare County Council meeting also heard that additional lands may be designated for future schools where required.
But Green Party councillor Peter Hamilton said: “It always feels like the department is behind the curve. What we need is a strong voice at meetings with the department, we’re the fastest growing county , if not the second fastest,” said the councillor.
He added that the councillors know where the population demand is within County Kildare.
“Councillors are the meat in the sandwich between the department and community," he added.
Cllr Ide Cussen said three schools were to be built in Ballyoulster, Celbridge, including a special needs facility but nothing has happened.
“We need to see progress,” she said, adding that students are spending too much time in temporary accommodation.
Cllr Brendan Weld attacked the department saying it takes ten years to deliver a school.
He also said that when a school is provided it’s up to KCC to put in roads and footpaths.
“The department should pay for these,” he said, adding that there is a waiting list for the secondary school in Clane but when a site became available, the department indicated that no school was needed.
“We’re getting attacked but we have very little influence,” said Cllr Weld.
Cllr Chris Pender said he is aware of three people in Newbridge who were home schooled “because they couldn’t access a school.”
He said councillors are being blamed but they have zoned the land for school construction.
Cllr Bill Clear said 318 pupils are waiting to go to school in Sallins, where an extension is needed.
He said land, some of which is church-owned, is available to build an extension “but there is no sign of the department buying it.”
He added it is likely that a new school will have to be built - which will take much longer than an extension.
Another councillor, Paul Ward, said the department’s website is “redundant and not fit for purpose” because it does not have enough information.
There's a shortage of school places in Naas, given the amount of residential development that has been built, said Cllr Carmel Kelly.
Cllr Angela Feeney said the problem is causing huge stress for families and school principals.
She said the department moves at a “glacial speed” and does not keep up with population trends.
“Not knowing where your son or daughter will go to school is not right,” she added.