Department responds to school concerns

A NORTHSIDE local election candidate is calling for a permanent location to be secured for a new Educate Together National School (ETNS).

Jeff Johnston, a Fine Gael candidate in the Clontarf Local Electoral Area (LEA), has expressed concern over the proposed temporary location for the Clontarf-Killester-Raheny ETNS.

“We recently learned that the new Educate Together School for the Clontarf-Killester-Raheny catchment area will be temporarily located in Suttonians Rugby Club until a permanent location can be found,” said Mr Johnston.

“This school is much needed and will prove invaluable to families as our community grows. “However, the temporary location will mean that parents and students will face travel of five to 10 kilometres, as well as passing other schools along the way.

“While I recognise that there are issues relating to zoning that has inhibited the search for a local option, this is something that must be remedied without delay."

Mr Johnston said this is an issue of significant importance and one that must not be allowed become a long term problem. 

“Working with the Department of Education, the school management and other councillors, I am committed to finding a solution to this issue,” he added. 

A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Skills said: “The school will open in September under the patronage of Educate Together in suitable interim accommodation, pending delivery of its permanent building.

“The Department appointed a Project Manager in July 2018 to assist with the work of prioritising the procurement of interim accommodation for the new school’s opening in 2019.

“Numerous locations within the school planning area were considered in relation to the interim accommodation for the school but could not be secured due to lack of suitability, availability or prohibitive zoning issues.

“Therefore, in order to ensure that the school could open in September 2019 as announced, it was necessary to look for interim accommodation in adjoining school planning areas.”

The spokesperson said that on March 15 a planning application was submitted to Fingal County Council for a location at Suttonians Rugby Club.

“The notification of decision to grant planning permission was issued by the local authority on May 2, 2019,” the spokesperson added. 

“In relation to the school’s permanent location, potential site options within the school planning area have been identified and are currently being assessed.”