Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

Schools in Galway East and right across the country are waiting on critical upgrades and critical building upgrades. I am talking about new classrooms, special education spaces, safer buildings and modern facilities. I am thinking about Carrabane National School, Gort National School, St. Brigid's College in Loughrea, Gort Community School, and Coláiste an Eachréidh in Athenry. Over recent months, we have seen very few school building announcements. We need clear timelines. We need to know when decisions are going to be made. Boards of management and principals have done everything they can do. They are now waiting on the Department. Will the Minister explain the cause of the slowdown? When can schools expect updates? When will approvals be given so we can see projects get shovels in the ground and see children experiencing a higher level of education in this country?

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