Scoil Íosagáin planning delay
Deputy Mac Lochlainn says Scoil Íosagáin in Buncrana faces fresh delay because its planning permission expired despite poor building conditions. The Taoiseach says there is a planning issue, will speak to the Minister for Education, and is sure she is already aware.
Scoil Íosagáin in Buncrana is the largest primary school in County Donegal, with more than 750 pupils. For the past decade, it has been caught up in a myriad of bureaucratic issues. However, the most recent devastating news is that the planning permission has expired and it has to go back again and apply for it. That is another year lost. The school is not in good condition. It has black mould growing on classroom walls, leaking prefab roofs leaving puddles on floors, classroom walls being insulated with election posters, of all things, and sash windows in old classrooms that do not close. I could go on and on.
This is a fantastic school. It is a groundbreaker in terms of special needs. There is €20 million allocated for a brand new school. I cannot convey how desperately needed it is. Will the Taoiseach intervene with the Minister for Education to find out how this happened, why tenders were lost and why this continues to happen?
Comment on this
To be fair, if the money has already been allocated, there is a planning issue. I am not aware of the background detail in terms of the planning process, why the planning permission has expired or what bureaucratic issues gave rise to this.
Comment on this
The Taoiseach will raise it with the Minister for Education.
Comment on this
I am sure the Minister is very well aware of it already. I will talk to her about it.
Comment on this
The Taoiseach will raise the matter. I thank him.