Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue concerning the more than 20 students and 15 staff of St. Teresa's Special School in Ballinasloe. In July 2017, the Department of Education and Skills informed me that it was working closely with Galway County Council on the acquisition of a site for the school. The school is included in the Department's six-year capital programme. That was announced in 2015 and is due to go to construction stage between now and 2021. We still do not have a commitment regarding funding, however. As of 8 May this year, the Minister informed me that his officials, working with Galway County Council, have identified a suitable site. I was told that as soon as they have possession they will proceed with the architectural planning.

We still do not have any progress on that. It is imperative, however, that there is movement and that this project moves to construction without delay. The school is currently located in temporary accommodation on the grounds of the former psychiatric hospital at St. Bridget's in Ballinasloe. We need a clear commitment of funding for this project. The Minister for Education and Skills will be aware that there was an issue before the summer regarding insurance costs. That was because we do not have a purpose-built school in Ballinasloe for children with special needs. For far too long children with special needs have had to travel great distances to access education. We now have a facility on our doorstep and we need a commitment that capital will be put in place to allow for the construction of a purpose-built school for the children of Ballinasloe, east Galway and south Roscommon.

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