John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The collapse of Carillion did not come as much of a surprise to me and many others who saw this coming down the tracks. It has directly impacted on two schools in my constituency, namely, St. Philomena's primary school, Ravenswell and Coláiste Raíthín. I am delighted that so many parents, teachers and pupils from Coláiste Raíthín have travelled from Bray in Wicklow to be in the Gallery. They hope to hear positive responses from the Minister and news on when they can move in.

The school building in which Coláiste Raíthín is currently operating is totally unsuitable. Hence, a new building is being built. This will bring to an end to a 23-year battle, under way since 1995, to get the new school. The current location of the school is totally unsuitable. The school is operating from three different locations within Bray. Pupils have to travel from one building to another in different parts of the town.

In September, the school took on board a full extra class of first year pupils in the knowledge, and hope, that a new school was forthcoming. This is adding to the existing over-crowding. It is totally unsustainable. The school also added two additional subjects to the curriculum and took on two new teachers. The school does not have the facilities now to teach those subjects. It was hoping, and had been promised, that Coláiste Raíthín would be in the new school building that would be fully complete in October, November, December and 22 January, which was the latest date given. All dates have come and gone.

When I asked the Minister about this initially he said there would be no delays. Now, we are saying we simply do not know. I do not give a damn about what discussions, negotiations or legalities are going on and I imagine the teachers, pupils and their parents do not care either. What we want from the Minister today is a specific date for when the keys will be handed over to Coláiste Raíthín and St. Philomena’s primary school to bring an end to the 23-year battle they have been engaged in. I hope the Minister will be able to provide assurances that those responsible will get the keys sooner rather than later.

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