A potential location for temporary buildings for the new community college in Claregalway has been suggested at the community grounds close to the local community centre.
“Trustees with GAA club and the Community Centre have given their agreement to locate the temporary buildings there, if this is what is desired or required by the new patron, Co. Galway VEC,” says Dr. Paddy Tobin of the Claregalway school committee.
He added that while there are a number of other potential locations that could also be suitable for the temporary building, there seems to be a preference for having the school located close to existing community facilities, such as the local hall and playing pitches.
But he said all this will be subject to discussions with the VEC and as soon as agreement is reached they will have to apply for planning permission for the new temporary buildings. The grounds near the community centre comprise of six or seven acres and it is understood that a number of potential footprints for the temporary buildings have already been identified there.
As predicted by a VEC source, speaking to the Tuam Herald in our issue of two weeks ago (July 18th), the Government gave the green light to Co. Galway VEC as patron of the new school before the cabinet broke up for the summer recess. The formal announcement was made by Minister Ruairí Quinn last Thursday.
“We are delighted that the VEC has been appointed as patron and the committee is completely confident of the new school being in operation in temporary buildings by September 2013,” says Dr. Tobin.
Enrolment a year in advance—most schools start their enrolment process a year in advance and the Claregalway Committee will be available to assist the VEC by communicating with parents in the area as soon as the educational body is ready to start the enrolment process.
However, even though temporary premises may be found quickly, it could be some time yet before a permanent site is found for the school, and the Department in association with Galway Co Council, is exploring a number of options.
But, while some sites already suggested have been rejected, it is possible that, with modifications, a number of these may be back in contention, while other possible sites, which have not yet been tendered, are also being investigated.
This week the CEO of the VEC, Joe McDonagh said the go-ahead for the school is “in essence a victory for the power of the people of Claregalway” who had been speaking out for the facility.
“They spoke in huge numbers at many public meetings and their assiduous and meticulous preparatory work initially facilitated the granting of the post-primary school for the Claregalway area.
“I want to congratulate the Claregalway committee, particularly Dr Paddy Tobin, Michael Hannon and their colleagues. This represents a huge victory for them and their community,” said the CEO.
“I would also like to recognise the huge support that the campaign got from all local and national public representatives in the area,” he added.
Joe McDonagh also said that it is testament to the trust that Minister Ruairi Quinn and his Department has in Co. Galway VEC that the organisation was selected as patron for “this exciting project”.
“Finally I wish to advise that Co Galway VEC will be in contact shortly with the Department of Education and Skills in relation to making the necessary arrangements to ensure that the provision of second-level education will commence in Claregalway for first-year students in September 2013.”
The CEO said he was aware that the Department, in association with Galway Co Council, are involved in a process of acquiring a permanent site for the school.
“However part of the VEC’s immediate engagement with the Department will be for the provision of temporary facilities until the permanent building is in place and we will be doing all this in co-operation with the local community,” he added.
Pat Gilmore, Chairman of Co. Galway VEC, also said that great credit is due to the local committee. He promised that the new facility would be a school to cater for all the educational needs of the children of the Claregalway area.
It is expected that the Claregalway school committee and the VEC will sit down within the next month in order to move as quickly as possible on agreeing on the potential location for the temporary site for the new school.
