Councillors unite to push Minister for new primary school in Carrick-on-Shannon

Councillors in the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District have come together to write a letter to the Minister for Education demanding a new primary school in the town on a new one-campus site.

At the meeting of the district today, Cllr Des Guckian asked that politicians "of all political persuasions, be asked to join together in supporting the immediate provision of a much-needed new national school, on a single campus, for Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon, and that Council officials be asked to help provide the new green-field site, not far from Carrick centre."

He said he wanted a "just outcome for over 500 pupils and their teachers in Carrick" and called the ongoing delay in providing a new school as "mindless."

Cllr Guckian said that the two original schools were amalgamated ten years ago and that "still their sites are too far apart and their space is quite limited. There is an urgent need for a new school on a larger campus , not far from town."

He added pupils are in "cramped, overcrowded conditions" and that he understood that "prefabs had to be put in playground areas, limiting even further the playground area."

He called on the other members to "put huge pressure on Minister Norma Foley to grant the much-needed new school" and "write to our TDs and Senators urging them to put pressure on the Minister."

He also said it "would be a huge help if Leitrim County Council can provide one big suitable site, close to Carrick."

Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire said there are "happy children going to the school and staff who are happy to be teaching but they would of course love better facilities" adding that play areas are restricted as is "putting on shows."

She said a new school is a "huge call in the area" and commended the teachers and other staff who are "working in poor enough conditions; everything divided; everything on two campuses". 

She said that members are behind the staff and the board of management and taking every "opportunity to push for a new one-campus school within walking distance of most spaces within Carrick-on-Shannon."

Cllr Paddy Farrell also supported the motion, remarking that "if only from a traffic and safety point of view, it is badly needed."

Cllr Sean McGowan too supported the motion with Cllr Thomas Mulligan also voicing his support. 

Cathaoirleach Cllr Enda Stenson stressed that the "department has got to move on this". He asked if a letter could be drafted and signed by all members and sent to the department stating that "a new school has to come". 

Cllr Guckian consented to this suggestion.

A report by the Economic Development section of the council said the Joint Local Area Plan for Carrick-on-Shannon and Cortober which is currently being developed presents the opportunity for the elected members to have input into the appropriate location for any potential future primary school through the development of the relevant zoning maps.

Should there be support from the Department of Education for a new single campus primary school in Carrick-on-Shannon then Leitrim County Council will engage positively with all the relevant stakeholders.