Cashel school to get new classrooms, but confusion remains on how many

Progress is being made on a project to build extra classrooms at Scoil Aonghusa, Cashel, but there is still confusion over how many.

Senator Garret Ahearn raised issued with an additional accommodation application for Scoil Aonghusa in the Seanad this morning.

He said the school had applied for 12 new rooms, and it is their understanding that only five have been approved.

He said the school is 'fantastic' and emphasised the importance of its extension.

"They do phenomenal work for the kids there," said Senator Ahearn.

Senator Ahearn said he understands only five can be built without
planning permission.

However, all of the rooms are needed to accommodate new children in the school next term.

He asked that the department meets with the school to clarify the situation.

"They are getting mixed messages with who they speak to in the department, and what it has caused is confusion for the staff, and then obviously the parents want to know," said Senator Ahearn.

Minister for State at the Department of Education Josepha Madigan said a meeting is happening.

She also agreed that the school is an excellent one.

"They are fantastic. The work that they do there wonderful staff wonderful children," said Ms Madigan.

For context, she said the application was under the new stream of the Additional Accommodation Scheme.

Under the stream, a project manager is appointed to help deliver the project. That manager is to meet with the school.

However, she said it was her understanding that ten classrooms were approved for Scoil Aonghusa.

"I am pleased to say Senator, that a meeting has already been arranged between the school authority and the project manager as part of the process outlines. And just my understanding in relation to the spec is ten classrooms, five are general and three junior SEN classrooms and two for moderate pupils," said Ms Madigan.

Senator Garret Ahearn said confusion around the number of classrooms is at the heart of the issue.

He said he is aware of the meeting, which is scheduled for this evening.

But there are now three different approval figures.

He asked the Minister of State to ensure that is clarified for the school before this evening's meeting.

Ms Madigan agreed that her department would clarify the situation.