School project moves a step closer 

A NEW architect has been appointed to move forward a much-needed school project on the Northside. 

Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton said the process to replace the architect/design team leader for the project at Hedgestown National School, Lusk, was completed on July 26. 

“The new architect was immediately provided with the project drawings and detailed design to date completed by the previous in-house departmental architect, in order to familiarise, review and update the project,” said Minister Bruton. 

“The new architect has also been in contact with the other design team members and will need to meet with the school in the near future.

“Following their review, the design team will provide a report and project programme to the board of management which will in turn be forwarded to my department for review.”

Minister Bruton added: “At that point, my department will advise the school authorities of the timeline for the progression of this project to tender and construction.”

Senator James Reilly (FG) welcomed the news.

“I have been pressing the Department and Minister for some time to move this project forward,” he said. 

“The existing school is not in great condition and it’s way past time it was replaced with a modern facility, with safe access and egress for parents students and teachers.

“The local community, teachers and parish representatives have been great in campaigning for the new school and assembling sites to provide the school. 

“Eddie Kirk, former principal, laboured long and hard on this project and the new principal and parents team are also taking up the challenge. As a local GP and politician they have my full support.”

Senator Reilly said it’s very important that investment is made in rural communities.

“This new school is a key investment in the Lusk rural area at Hedgestown,” he added.  

“I look forward to the next positive steps on this school project.”