Work will start an Gaelscoil within weeks

Work will start on Gaelscoil within weeks


Áine Ryan

WORK will begin within the next month on the much awaited Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Westport, according to the longtime Principal, Mairéad Ní RuΡin.
She told The Mayo News at the weekend  that the letter of acceptance has been sent to the developer, JJ Rhattigan and Company, of County Galway.
“This is absolutely fantastic news for the parents, teachers and pupils. It has been a long time coming and was put off two years ago. We are very fortunate that a school of this calibre will be built during this difficult economic recession,“ Ms RuΡin said.
The new state-of-the-art school, on the Golf Course Road, will have ten classrooms, a GP Hall, numerous offices, a resources room and computer room and a library.
Earlier Fianna FΡil TD, Beverley Flynn had confirmed the formal letter of acceptance was due to be issued to the preferred bidder. She also observed that it was ‘a welcome announcement for all those who have worked so hard to get a permanent home for the Gaelscoil’.
Deputy Flynn said: “I am delighted for the pupils, parents and the staff, who have waited and worked towards this development. I am also delighted that this project will provide employment in the locality.”
“There were many who doubted that the Gaelscoil would become a reality, and who tried to belittle the Government commitment to the provision of the new school,” she continued.
Deputy Flynn also acknowledged the work of local Fianna FΡil Cllrs Margaret Adams and Brendan Mulroy, whose committment contributed towards the delivery of the project.
Westport based Fine Gael TD, Deputy Michael Ring has also welcomed the news.
“A total of nine tenders were received for this project and I understand that the contract has now been awarded, subject to formal acceptance. I welcome this. I have raised the issue of Gaelscoil na Cruaiche on numerous occasions over the years. The site for the new premises was first indentified in 2005 so Gaelscoil na Cruaiche have had to wait several years to get a new premises. They have a large pupil enrolment and the school has been an outstanding success since it commenced,” he said.
“The new premises is urgently required by Gaelscoil na Cruaiche.  I hope that once work commences that it will be completed as quickly as possible so that the pupils and their teachers can finally move in to their permanent location” he added.