Senator Aisling Dolan has welcomed the recent planning approval decision for Scoil An Chroí Naofa, stating the project is “the next step in a long journey for the teaching staff, pupils, families and board of management”.
“The people of Ballinasloe have waited 27 years for a new school building in town”, she said.
“Already this year we have a waiting list for children for school places, especially children with special needs, across our national primary schools. We need larger schools and more capacity.
“In 1996, the boys and girls national school – my own school – amalgamated with the promise of a new school. Five boards of management and five principals worked to bring this project forward and now we have an important decision with planning permission approved. It will be a fantastic new high-spec school building for families in this town”.
Senator Dolan said she wished to acknowledge the work of Principal Christine Connor, the current board of management, and patron Bishop Michael Duignan, along with the design team and the Department of Education.
This project will provide for a larger school with three additional classrooms, making a total of sixteen classrooms. There will also be a new playing pitch and play areas.
Senator Dolan said she looks forward to working with Scoil An Chroí Noafa, the Department of Education, and the design team to move the project to the next stage, meeting the requirements for planning and preparing tender documents for construction. She also thanked Galway County Council for its proactive approach.
School Principal Christine Connor described it as a “wonderful day for staff and pupils” and thanked all agencies and individuals for their ongoing support.
