Closure of Kildare national school 'shows government’s ineptitude and incompetence'

Sinn Féin TD for North Kildare, Réada Cronin has blamed government “ineptitude and incompetence” for the closure of St. Patrick’s National School in Celbridge.

The Board of Management of the school announced the closure yesterday (Wednesday, March 4.)

Speaking on the closure, Deputy Cronin claimed the government has “done nothing” over the last 18 years to ensure a safe learning environment for the children of St. Patrick’s.

Deputy Cronin said: “This is a shocking development and shows the government’s ineptitude and incompetence.

“This is an issue that has been ongoing for more than 18 years, and still no solution has been found.

“I regret that the Board of Management has had to come to this decision, but the safety of children and staff is of the utmost concern.

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“Political representatives have been united on this issue recently and we all agree that this should not be happening in our community.

“We have been raising this issue for so long and yet nothing has been done.

“Our children have the right to be educated in a fit for purpose building. But we have let them and their teachers down. This shut down confirms what we have all known for so long.”

Deputy Cronin called for a safe and temporary solution “immediately” to ensure the children and teachers of St. Patrick's can return to school safely and securely, and said responsibility lies with the Minister.

She added: “I have written to the Minister for clarity on if there is a contingency plan in place for this situation, if her Department has secured an alternative building for the children to attend while out of school, and how long the school will be closed for.

“It is the Minister’s duty to ensure that our children can return to a safe school environment.

“My thoughts are with the parents, teachers and the children during this difficult time.”