Jordan to challenge relocation of Donegal Education Support Centre to Letterkenny

Councillor Noel Jordan has said he and Sinn Féin colleague Pearse Doherty TD will be forwarding questions to the Department of Education to reconsider the relocation of the Donegal Education Support Centre (DESC) from Donegal Town to Letterkenny.

Cllr Jordan said the announcement left people “devastated” by the plan to take the centre out of Donegal Town and how it was communicated to staff.

“It came as a huge shock when the news broke about the relocation of the Donegal Education Centre to Letterkenny which has been in Donegal Town since 1997,” Cllr Jordan posted.

“Having spoken to staff, they are absolutely devastated especially when they kept the centre open and running seamlessly as they worked through more than their fair share of gruelling challenges which were outside their work remit without any support from the Management Committee or the Department of Education.

“The staff feel that this move is unnecessary as the Centre provides courses in outreach venues throughout the County to facilitate all teachers and special needs assistants in the education community while approximately 95% of courses are held online.

“How can this move be justified with the spending of public funds at a time when schools in the County are in desperate need of new buildings and extensions, or facilities and support staff for pupils with additional needs.”

The DESC confirmed the move late last week: “Following extensive consultation and collaboration with school leaders, teachers, staff and other stakeholders, the Management Committee made the decision to establish a more centralised and accessible hub for educational development in Donegal.

“The move will enhance DESC's capacity to provide high-quality professional training and support to principals, teachers, and special needs assistants (SNAs) in Donegal. With 178 primary schools, 28 post-primary schools, and two special schools in the county, this move is designed to meet the evolving needs of the educational community while fostering accessibility, deeper engagement and collaboration with local schools and other educational bodies."

Cllr Jordan was also critical of the way staff were informed of the relocation by the current Director, Mr Kieran McTaggart.

“Some members during tea break and others over the phone with no Union representative present,” Cllr Jodan added.

“Surely this goes against Department protocols? Upsettingly, the staff were hearing snippets of information regarding the move from tutors facilitating courses and teachers attending courses at the Centre.

“When the staff asked the Director for more information regarding the relocation, they were met with a wall of silence. The treatment of staff in this manner is unacceptable. The Centre plays a vital role in our town's community.

“Furthermore it enhances the town's economy by bringing business to local vendors, hospitality services and other business establishments in Donegal Town. Myself and my party colleague Pearse Doherty TD will be forwarding questions to the Department of Education and the Management Committee and call them to reconsider this decision.”

Donegal Live / Donegal Democrat emailed the Donegal Education Centre Director with a number of questions seeking clarity on the reasons for the move and the cost of relocation in November. No reply has been received.

Mayor of Donegal Town Pauric Kennedy said in November that the move "does not make sense, and it would be a massive loss to Donegal Town" and former TD Thomas Pringle brought the matter to the Dáil. 

Minister for Education Norma Foley responded to his Dáil question, acknowledging that her department had been informed of plans to relocate Donegal Education Centre but she stressed, that such decisions were ultimately down to local management.

“My Department has been informed that the management committee is currently considering relocating the centre and that it has engaged with stakeholders in this regard. My Department will continue to engage with the Centre as required to ensure that the Centre is providing optimum support to fulfil its statutory remit and in line with public financial policy.”