Nolan slams four year delay for works at Offaly school

INDEPENDENT TD for Laois Offaly Carol Nolan has raised the four-year delay to works on an approved autism spectrum disorder (ASD) unit for St Brendan’s Community School, Birr, with the Minister for Education Norma Foley.

Deputy Nolan confronted the Minister with a list of challenges being faced by the school community during a meeting of the Oireachtas Education Committee, of which she is a member. In response Minister Foley requested the Independent TD to bring the matters of concern to her personal attention following the committee meeting.

“What the Principal, staff, and students of St Brendan’s are experiencing in terms of delays, lack of engagement and the complete absence of any sense of urgency from the Department is nothing short of scandalous,” said Deputy Nolan.

“The school, which was awarded DEIS status last year has seen no evidence of additional supports where they are needed. The ASD unit which was approved four years ago has not progressed in any measurable way. In fact, the disadvantage that the school community is experiencing has only been compounded by the lack of progress on a number of issues including, roof repairs, the dire need for new glazing and a properly functioning heating system.

“Does anyone think for a moment that if these conditions were present in a wing of the Department of Education they would not be addressed immediately?

“I will be pursuing these issues for St Brendan’s with absolute determination. The school has endured enough. It needs to see progress and it needs to see it today, not in another four years-time,” concluded Deputy Nolan.