Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth says pompous bureaucracy is delaying plans to build the new Holy Family School in Cootehill.
Deputy Niamh Smyth said, “I believe pompous bureaucracy is delaying the progression of plans for the new Holy Family School in Cootehill. I understand the school submitted the relevant documentation in relation to the Stage 2B Submission to the Department of Education and Skills in April only to be notified in recent weeks that it was not in the right order. How ridiculous is this? They are not disputing that the information they require isn’t there, they are more concerned about the order of of same. It sums up all that is wrong with this country really doesn’t it? Red tape and more red tape topped off with pure bureaucracy while children suffer.”
“I’m very frustrated with the latest delay tactics from Department of Education and Skills and it’s devastating implications for students who need this facility so urgently. Staff, pupils and parents have been waiting in excess of a decade for this facility. They have been forced to work out of numerous locations to accommodate their growing numbers. They have been quiet and patient for way too long now and the Government’s failure to deliver this school beggars belief.”
Deputy Niamh Smyth outlined, “The Holy Family Special School is a special national school for pupils aged four to eighteen years located in Cootehill, Co Cavan. The pupils are from the catchment area of the Counties of Cavan and Monaghan. The school caters for pupils with severe/profound learning disabilities, moderate/multiple learning disabilities and for pupils with autism. In 2015, The Department for Education and Skills gave the Holy Family School in Cootehill full approval for funding under the school building programme 2016 – 2021. The long-awaited news, almost 30-years coming – was delivered by Minister Jan O’Sullivan at noon on Tuesday, November 17th 2015, after proposals to alter previous plans and increase capacity to a 25-room school were approved by the Department. 150 students with learning disabilities and Autism and their parents breathed a sigh of relief – that finally this day had come. However we are still no further on!”
“There is real urgent need to develop facilities for the pupils at the Holy Family School. Demand on services is growing – the school cannot accommodate the numbers in its current building – staff and parents are completely frustrated over this!”
Deputy Niamh Smyth concluded, “In an era where we speak about inclusion, fair treatment and equal opportunity for all – how fair is this situation? How inclusive is it? I recently visited the school and met with staff who are very concerned over the delays with these plans. I see first-hand the logistical challenges they face with accommodating classes due to the growing numbers and lack of space. I’m again appealing to the Minister for Education to make this project a PRIORITY for Government. I will vow to continue to raise this weekly with his Department until work is progressed!”
I raised the Holy Family School as a Topical Issue in the Dáil on Thursday evening June 29th at 7pm – Watch here