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Site acquisition of the new Gaelscoil de hÍde site in Fermoy is ‘proceeding satisfactorily’.

Site acquisition of the new Gaelscoil de hÍde site in Fermoy is ‘proceeding satisfactorily’, according to a letter sent by the Department of Education to Seán Mac Gearailt, Principal of Gaelscoil de hÍde.

It confirms that they expect the school to be ready for the commencement of the academic year in September 2016.

The letter, dated November 12, was brought to the attention of The Avondhu by councillor Kevin O’Keeffe, and is signed by an official within the Site Acquisition & property Management Section.

The letter states: “The project to provide a new school building is scheduled to be delivered under the Department’s ‘Rapid” Design & Build Programme 2015/2016. While delivery timelines may vary as issues can arise during the process of planning, procurement and/or construction, the timeline currently envisaged is that construction of the school will commence towards the end of 2015 with a view to having accommodation in place for the academic year commencing September 2016.”

In a statement made this week, Minister of State, Seán Sherlock reiterated his position that the school is still on target to be open for September 2016. He said there is no issue with the second part of the conveyancing process but it must take its course.

“It remains my belief that the Board of Management will receive a call from the Department in the not too distant future, with a view to proceeding to the planning process. I cannot give a definitive date on when this will happen,” he added.

At the November Northern Committee meeting of Cork County Council, local councillors called for more detail on the matter as it progresses and a set timeframe from the Minister of Education, Jan O’Sullivan.

Proposing the motion, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said the ‘saga is going on for far too long’, and that the ‘current facilities there don’t lend themselves to a proper education for children’. He called for the swift transfer of the land so that the planning phase could get underway.

Cllr June Murphy said that the most frustrating aspect of this relates to the lack of transparency. “We need a timeframe, really that’s what the school are looking for, the not knowing and the not being informed, and having no timeframe for anything, is very frustrating. We’re being told that they’re being kept informed, and they’re not’.

Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe told the meeting he was ‘very disappointed’ with the slow pace of progress, considering the school were notified about a new school in 2011. “The Department foot-dragged for the bones of two years finding a suitable site.” He asked Tom Stritch, Director of Services, could he foresee any issues with the upcoming planning stage, and was told that this is unknown, as planning is a process that requires third party involvement.

Giving his reason for stating recently why he believes the school may not open in 2016, Cllr Noel McCarthy said ‘we only have to look at what has gone on so far’, citing ‘delay after delay after delay’ and the numerous stages yet to be completed, as his primary concerns.

“There are so many stages to go through, that’s what I’m worried about, that this 2016 date may not be adhered to, because of the previous delays we have experienced. I hope, as I said, I’m proven wrong, and the kids are in there in 2016,” he said.

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