School row breaks out

A ROW has broken out between two general election candidates over the delivery of new schools on the Northside.

Last week, the Government announced that Swords and Malahide/Portmarnock have been selected to receive additional secondary schools as part of a multi-million euro school building programme.

However, Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) has expressed scepticism about the delivery time of the new schools.

“Announcing schools that will not commence construction until 2019-2021 is the height of political opportunism,” said Senator O’Brien.

“While news of these schools is welcome, I am reluctant to be the one who points out that the Emperor is not wearing any clothes – in many cases, sites have not been selected. 

“It is going to be at least six years before they start building some of these schools, never mind opening them.”

Senator O’Brien said he was particularly concerned about the planned secondary schools for Malahide/Portmarnock and Swords, both of which will accommodate over 1,000 students. 

“Sadly, I am afraid this is pre-election rhetoric,” he stated.  

“I would be happier if there were firm details of sites, commencement dates for building works and recruitment drives for teachers. 

“There aren’t even roll numbers for these planned schools.

“Instead, all we have is a list of towns and a vague promise that the projects will ‘proceed to construction in 2019-2021’.”

Senator O’Brien said there is an urgent need for new schools in both areas. 

“I have been working with parents and community groups to impress upon the Government the importance of these projects,” he added. 

“I think it is extremely important that these schools proceed through the appropriate stages and are delivered on time to ensure children entering the secondary school system in North Dublin are accommodated in appropriate surroundings.”

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG), who will contest the same Dublin Fingal constituency as Senator O’Brien, hit back at the comments and described them as “disingenuous at best”.

“It is shocking for Senator O’Brien to attack the provision of vital new educational infrastructure in the form of new secondary schools for Malahide/Portmarnock and for Swords,” Deputy Farrell told Northside People. 

“In criticising this announcement, Senator O’Brien fails to acknowledge that these schools will open their doors in 2017 in temporary accommodation to provide school places for local students until the construction process is completed and brand new buildings delivered. 

“The senator also seems to be unaware that potential sites have already been identified for each of these schools. 

“It is evident that Senator O’Brien has not examined the detail of Budget 2016. 

“If he had, he would know that this Government is providing the investment for 2,260 additional primary and post-primary teachers, including 550 posts, mainly at secondary level, to enhance guidance and school leadership; 810 teachers to address demographic demand; and 600 resource teachers.”

Deputy Farrell pointed out that in comparison with Fianna Fáil’s record of investment in education, the Fine Gael-led Government has spent €2.2 billion on school building between 2012 and 2016. 

“And we have committed another €4 billion of spending on educational capital between 2016 and 2021,” he said. 

“The senator’s assertions in his attack on this much-needed investment in the north county is not only disrespectful to our students but also to the intelligence of every citizen in the State. 

“While Senator O’Brien spends his time on political point-scoring, I will continue to work quietly and diligently to deliver for Dublin Fingal.”