Work will start at Davitt College - Flynn

Work on Davitt College gym will start - Flynn


Edwin McGreal

GOVERNMENT TD Beverley Flynn has assured that construction on the proposed sports hall at Davitt College, Castlebar will commence within weeks.
Last Wednesday saw the turning of the sod of the complex, to be called the Joe Langan Sports Hall in memory of the former principal of the school, by Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe TD.
However Fine Gael councillor Henry Kenny has expressed ‘grave concerns’ about how advanced the project is. But Deputy Flynn expects work will commence shortly.
“I can give my total assurance on this,” she told The Mayo News. “It is very close to completion and within a month we will have a contract signed, it is that close. The Minister made it quite clear that it is going ahead and we are very close to having builders on site and work commencing. We’re talking weeks, not months.”
Principal of Davitt College Ioseph McGowan (pictured) expects that the sports hall will be up and running in time for the intake of new students in September, 2010.
While there have been disappointments before, McGowan is confident that this time is different.
“We don’t need any more clearance and we have been assured that the money is there, that it is ring-fenced.
“The fact that Beverley (Flynn) is involved and is close to the minister and has his ear is a big plus. I’m very confident that it will go ahead. I know there are negative comments about the project’s chances and a certain amount of political play but I am very confident it will happen.”
Cllr Henry Kenny, a former teacher at the school, turned down an invitation to the sod-turning ceremony because of his doubts over the project.
“I have grave concerns about how genuine this announcement actually is. I would be delighted to see the Sports Hall going ahead and do not wish to detract from the occasion, however, until a contract is signed and the project physically starts, I will continue to maintain my concerns.”
The sod-turning ceremony was attended by a large crowd of students, past and present teachers, VEC officials and various sitting and prospective political candidates.
Ioseph McGowan told those present that the school would be receiving an enrolment of 170 first year students next September and the sports hall was more vital than ever for the school. He also outlined plans for the school having two campuses in the near future, one for the senior cycle students and one for junior cycle.
Speaking whilst on a whistle stop tour of the county, Minister for Education Batt O’Keefe TD was fulsome in his praise for Davitt College.
“I’m very glad to be the minister to give the go-ahead. I feel almost like a former student of the school because I’ve heard so much about it from Beverley (Flynn) telling me constantly that ye’ve been waiting for years for this.
“This is a school with a fantastic reputation well beyond Castlebar. The quality of teaching here stands alone.”
The occasion also marked the launch of Mayo VEC’s Active Living and Learning Initiative which aims to enhance student learning and wellbeing by giving prominence to physical activity as a medium for learning and a foundation for healthy living.