Fianna Fáil education spokesperson Senator Fiona O’Loughlin took the floor of the Seanad this morning to quiz the Department on their work to solve the school place shortage in Kildare South.
Senator O’Loughlin said “As I have raised a number of times in this House, and during my time in the Dail, we need to see a more co-ordinated approach in terms of allocating secondary school places in my view.”
“We have seen significant moves by the department to alleviate the long-term pressures in our areas, with projects advancing at Magee Barracks for a new Curragh Post Primary school and projects progressing well Cross and Passion in Kilcullen as well as at Ardscoil Rath Iomgnáin.”
“St. Conleth’s Community College in Newbridge have agreed to take in an additional 30 student class for the academic year 2022/2023, which is incredibly welcome. However, in a letter I received from the Ministers office on the 24th of February, local principals have identified in excess of 80 students requiring a place for academic year 2022/2023. Meaning we could have up to 50 students still without a place. I acknowledge this will likely have reduced in the meantime, but the department need to give absolute clarity.”
Fiona concluded by saying “I will be raising this issue again with the Minister for Education Norma Foley and will continue to fight for local parents and students.”
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