'I am shocked' - Anger as plans for new Offaly secondary school stall
Clara has been waiting what seems like for ever for a new secondary school premises, it was pointed out during a Council meeting.
Cllr Sandra Feehan Smollen told the October meeting of Offaly County Council that Drayton Villa in Clara was purchased four years ago with the aim of creating a secondary school on the site, by relocating Ard Scoil Chiaráin, but everyone is still waiting.
“The redevelopment of Drayton Villa has been left on the back burner,” Cllr Feehan Smollen said. “Meanwhile there are prefabs stacked in the back yard.
“I am shocked that we are still talking about this issue. This new school premises is vital for the town.” She said the proposed site is “in a brilliant position between our two National Schools.”
Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick said he had recently been told by Deputy Barry Cowen that the Deputy had met with members of LOETB and they will be sending proposals to the governmental Department in the near future.
In October 2021 it was announced that permission for a design team for the planned new school building for Ard Scoil Chiaráin in Clara had been sought from the Department of Education.