New Ballyfermot school building must be suitable, says TD Smith

People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith has launched a petition calling on the Minister for Education to ensure that the proposed amalgamation of three secondary schools in Ballyfermot – St. John’s College, Caritas College and St Dominic’s College – is delivered with suitable facilities for students and staff.   

Deputy Smith said: “While I welcome the aim of developing a new school by amalgamating St John’s, Caritas and St Dominic’s, we have to be clear that the plan must meet the educational needs and aspirations of the young people of Ballyfermot.

“I strongly object to what is currently proposed, as there is no plan to deliver a PE hall, canteen or on-site care facilities for staff, students and parents.

“There aren’t even parking facilities. Parents and staff in Ballyfermot are contacting me and are extremely concerned.

“The Minister for Education is proposing that such facilities may be provided at some stage in the future, but she makes no guarantees.

“That’s not good enough.

“To propose a new educational facility that excludes the most fundamental requirements for development of body as well as mind is wholly irresponsible.

“The young people of Ballyfermot don’t just deserve better, they deserve the best. This new school must deliver it.”

The petition, which can be found on my.uplift.ie, also says that “promises have been made to the community of a “state-of-the-art” educational complex for our young people.

“To fulfil the educational needs and aspirations of our youth requires the opportunity for all our young people to be fully trained and equipped to care for their minds and bodies also.

“A new school needs facilities for proper care, diet and exercise.

“We are calling on the minister to reverse the decision to exclude these much-needed facilities i.e., sports facilities, canteen, parents facilities, counselling/family therapy services, school completion/home school community liaison spaces, staff facilities/car parking.”

The new school, which is set to open in September 2022, will be named St Seton’s Secondary School after St Elizabeth Seton, the patron saint of new beginnings and catholic schools.

The school will be located on the site of St John’s College and will accommodate around 800 pupils once complete.