Progress has been made on plans to expand Scoil Gharbháin following a meeting with Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton at Leinster House.

The school’s Principal, Deputy Principal and Chairperson of the Board of Management met with the Minister this morning to discuss the school’s accommodation needs. The meeting was organised by Minister John Cummins and was also attended by Minister Mary Butler and an official from the Department of Education’s Planning and Building Unit.

Representatives from Scoil Gharbháin outlined the school’s accommodation requirements at the meeting, which was described as constructive by those involved.

The Department of Education reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the accommodation needed for the school as part of an overall masterplan for the site. Officials also confirmed that a project manager will be appointed through the modular framework to oversee the development of the project brief and the wider masterplan.

The move is expected to speed up delivery of the project in recognition of the school’s urgent accommodation needs.

The initial phase of the development will include two mainstream classrooms and two special classes. Further engagement will now take place between the Department, the school and the project manager once appointed, with work continuing on the planning and design of additional accommodation.

The expansion plans relate to an adjacent site purchased by the Department of Education for the future growth of Scoil Gharbháin. Discussions will continue on how quickly further accommodation can be delivered, including an additional two mainstream classrooms.

The meeting also heard that the Department is carrying out a national review of rental accommodation. The annual rental costs currently being incurred by Scoil Gharbháin will be taken into account as part of that process.

All parties agreed to continue working together to progress the project and deliver the accommodation needed for students and staff at Scoil Gharbháin.