Southside schools win out in Summer Works Scheme

THERE were smiles all around the Southside last week as news arrived that several local schools are to benefit from fuding under the Government’s Summer Works Scheme.

The scheme is designed to allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works that will improve and upgrade existing buildings.

A total of 438 schools at both primary and secondary level around the country will receive €47 million for vital school improvements through the scheme.

Minister of State, Catherine Byrne (FG) welcomed the news that five local schools in Dublin South Central would undergo significant improvement works over the summer months thanks to the funding. 

The Summer Works Scheme will see upgrades to buildings in Francis St CBS, John Dillon Street, Dublin 8; St Damien’s NS, Quarry Drive, Perrystown, Dublin 12; St Audeon’s NS, Cook Street, Dublin 8; Drimnagh Castle Secondary School, Walkinstown and Rosary College, Armagh Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12.

 “I am confident that the school authorities will be able to achieve best value for money on prices for jobs,” she said.

Senator, Neale Richmond (FG) welcomed the announcement that six local schools in his area have also been awarded funding under the programme.

“This is great news for the six successful schools and the area in general,” he said.” These works are much needed and will allow our local children to continue to enjoy their education in the best possible environment.”

The successful local schools include: St Mary’s National School, Lamb’s Cross; Whitechurch National School, Rathfarnham; Kilternan Church of Ireland National School; St Olaf’s National School, Balally; St Attracta’s Senior National School, Meadowbrook and St Tiernan’s Community School, Dundrum.

 Meanwhile, Deputy Josepha Madigan (FG) has welcomed a decision to expand temporary accommodation for Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School.

“This is a rapidly growing school that is providing exemplary education to many children in the area,” she said.

It was also announced last week that Gaelscoil na Fuinseoige, Ireland’s newest Irish-medium primary school, will take up occupancy of new premises in Churchtown in September.

Pupils at the Gaelscoil will start the new school term in the building that is becoming available through the closure of Notre Dame Junior School. 

Principal Aisling Uí Fhéich said: “We are thrilled to be moving into our permanent home this September.

“The facilities are second to none,” she added. “Our school is open to everyone and we look forward to welcoming children from different nationalities and backgrounds.”

And parents were celebrating in Dún Laoghaire and Dublin South City as the Department of Education and Skills (DES) has announced Educate Together as patron of a brand new national schools to open in 2017.

Paul Rowe, CEO of Educate Together said they were delighted to open these new schools.

“We know of the huge demand for Educate Together from the enormous waiting lists in our existing schools in each area,” he said. 

“We hope that these schools will go some way to alleviating the pressure on both parents and existing Educate Together schools and extend the provision of equality-based education in Dublin.”