Gaelscoil finally gets green light

TWO decades of waiting, protesting and lobbying
finally paid off last week when Gaelscoil Bharra in Cabra was included on a
list of new schools to be built before 2015.

The publication of the school building list confirmed
that the cold, rat-infested prefabs that have housed more than 200 pupils every
term over the last 20 years would be replaced with a state-of-the-art new
school within three years.

“It’s fantastic to be on the list,

? principal Sean O
Donaile told Northside People.

“It’s the most concrete step that’s been taken
so far.

?

“It’s due recognition for the campaigning and constant
pressure we’ve put on the Department of Education and politicians over the last
20 years.

“I think ours is the most highlighted school in the
country and that’s thanks to all the parents, teachers, pupils and media
outlets such as Northside People who have publicised our situation.

?

The relieved school principal said that while he’s
happy that they have

“finally turned a corner

?, he remains a little sceptical
due to past experiences of broken promises with the Department of Education.

“I’m trying not to be too sceptical but I don’t think
I’ll fully believe it until I see the bulldozers come on site and the shovels
go into the ground,

? he explained.

“I don’t think we’ll be out protesting any more but we
will continue to keep subtle pressure on the various authorities to keep the
school plan moving forward.

?

It’s been a long and frustrating journey to get to
this point for a Gaelscoil that was never far from the headlines, most notably
in 2008 when supporters of the school infuriated the then Minister for
Education Batt O’Keeffe when they staged a protest outside his family home in
Cork.

The following year, pupils inundated Minister O’Keeffe
with Valentine’s cards appealing for him to

“have a heart

?. They also released
a music single –

‘Ca Bhfuil ar scoil?’ – with the help of Dublin rhythm and
roots band Tupelo.

And last year the protests touched a nerve with
another Minister for Education, this time Mary Coughlan, who made what was
described as an angry phone call to the school in response to sceptical comments
made by Principal O Donaile after it was included on a list of 100 new school
projects.

Last week local TD Pascal Donohue (FG) was among those
who welcomed the school’s inclusion on the building list.

“Gaelscoil Bharra was shamefully ignored by previous
Governments during times of plenty,

? he stated.

“And despite the success of the school, children and
teachers have worked in truly substandard facilities, forcing the Gaelscoil to
resort to marches, post card campaigns, pickets and even launching a single in
an attempt to make their voices heard.

“I am delighted that the Government has confirmed that
it will support the building of a new school for Gaelscoil Bharra.

“This recognises the value of the school and the
amazing work done there by teachers, parents and pupils in creating a wonderful
environment in very tough circum- stances.

?