The Government is set to fast track the provision of a secondary school for the Claregalway area, with the building set to open in September 2013.
According to Galway West Fine Gael TD Brian Walsh the decision has been confirmed by the Department of Education.
Deputy Walsh described the news as “excellent for Claregalway and the surrounding area”. He said it was the “culmination of years of hard work” by the Claregalway Development Association, in particular Paddy Tobin and Michael Hannon.
The Department recently accepted seven expressions of interests from landowners in the area with a view to sourcing a suitable site for the school and it is understood that at least one of these is in the Lackagh area, close to the existing village development.
Deputy Walsh is now calling for “swift action in the part of the department” to assess the site submissions received and to take ownership of a suitable site as soon as possible.
“It is important this happens in order to facilitate a planning application so that construction can commence by the middle of 2012,” he said.
Deputy Walsh also believes the acquisition of a suitable site would also facilitate the provision of a temporary school for up to 80 first year students in September 2012.
The news was also welcomed by Deputy Derek Nolan who said that this targeted opening date is obviously dependent on a speedy planning process and no delays, but it is excellent news for the community.
“Claregalway is now a significant commuter town and as more people move into this thriving community its teenage population will continue to grow. This facility is vital for the educational needs of the children growing up there,” he said.
