The new Board of Management of Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Claregalway, held its first meeting in the Headquarters of Co. Galway VEC, Athenry, on Monday, 4th March, 2013.
In welcoming the members to the historic first meeting of the Board, the CEO of Co. Galway VEC, Mr. Seosamh Mac Donncha, thanked them for accepting their nomination to the Board and complimented all involved in bringing this exciting initiative to fruition. He congratulated the local community representatives, Dr. Paddy Tobin and Michael Hannon, and the Claregalway Post Primary School Action Group on their outstanding contribution to the realisation of their dream of providing a second level school for Claregalway and the surrounding area. He also thanked the VEC Task Group for their meticulous preparations for the establishment of the school.
Subsequently, the Board elected Mr. Pat Gilmore, Chairman of Co. Galway VEC, as Chairman of the Board of Management and Mr. Gilmore stated that he considered it a great honour to have been appointed first Chairman of the school’s Board of Management.
In his first report to the Board of Management, Principal, Mr. Alan Mongey confirmed that 157 students had now enrolled as first year students in the school for the academic year 2013/2014. He said that he was very encouraged by this huge response to the enrolment process. Mr. Mongey also informed the Board that all additional further information requested by the Planning Section in Galway County Council had now been submitted by the Dept. of Education & Skills since last Friday, 1st March, 2013. Furthermore, he informed the meeting that a decision on planning was now imminent.
The Board of Management also noted correspondence from the Dept. of Education & Skills wherein it notified Co. Galway VEC that it would be completing the development of the full facilities in one phase. Initially, the Dept. had intended to phase the development over three phases in three years. However, having been notified by Co. Galway VEC of the huge enrolment in first year the Dept. decided to accede to the VEC’s request to develop the total facility in one phase.
It was also noted that a decision in relation to the appointment of a Building Contractor is imminent and the building programme will be completed within a 20 week timeframe.
Mr. Mongey, Principal, has recently set up his office in Claregalway Community Centre and he can be contacted at [email protected].
Members of the new Board of Management of Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Claregalway, at their initial meeting, with members of the VEC Task Group.
From left: Ms. Máire Ní Chéidigh, Cllr. Jarlath Mc Donagh, Mr. Charles Mitchell, Mr. Frank Curley, Ms. Louise Brett, Seosamh Uas. Mac Donncha, Mr. Pat Gilmore, Mr. Seán Duffy, Ms. Mairéad Thompson, Mr. Michael Hannon, Dr. Paddy Tobin, Mr. Alan Mongey.
