Boland calls for “modern and warm” school buildings for Rush

Fine Gael TD Grace Boland has said that “modern and warm” school buildings are “urgently needed” in Rush.

The Dublin Fingal West TD noted that the population of Rush has grown by more than 60% over the past 20 years, placing “significant and growing pressure” on local schools.

Bpland pointed to two major school building projects currently planned for the area; the combined school campus for St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush and Gaelscoil Ros Eo, and the new school building for Rush National School.

She raised the issue with Tánaiste Simon Harris, saying that delays to the projects are “having a very real impact on families, students and staff.”

“The need for warm, modern school buildings is essential. These school projects must move forward without further delay.”

The Tánaiste confirmed he would be raising the issue with Minister for Education Hildegaarde Naughton and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers.

Boland asserted she will continue to raise the matter “repeatedly and relentlessly until there are shovels in the ground.”

Drawings and tender documents for St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush and Gaelscoil Ros Eo are expected to be submitted to the Department of Education within seven to eight weeks.

“Once these documents are submitted, I will be pressing the Minister for Education to ensure that approval to tender is turned around quickly so that this project can move forward at pace,” she said.

Rush National School is currently at the design stage, once the design has been finalised, a planning application will need to be lodged with Fingal County Council.

The Fine Gael TD said, “these schools have waited far too long. I am absolutely determined that these school building projects progress as quickly and efficiently as possible. I am fully committed to seeing warm, modern schools delivered for the children and families of Rush and I will pursue this at every opportunity.”