Scoil an Chroí Naofa has recently launched an online petition via www.change.org, to give impetus to their campaign for a new, modern and energy-efficient building. When the boys’ and girls’ schools in town amalgamated 30 years ago, the Department of Education promised a new school building, and staff and pupils have been waiting since. “Our 300 pupils are learning in outdated classrooms,” says School Principal, Christine Connor. At present, the school operates from two buildings divided by the busy Society Street, requiring pupils to cross multiple times per day and putting them at risk of accidents. One building was constructed in 1937, and the other is a “temporary” prefab that was constructed in 1972.
The prefab has no insulation, and the school’s entire capitation grant is currently spent on heating. Resources are especially needed as the school is a DEIS Band 1 school that serves those facing educational disadvantage, and the staff aim to provide opportunity and inclusion for all. A design team was first appointed for the project back in 2001. “Over the last 24 years, there has been delay after delay. Plans have had to be revised and updated a number of times.
Planning permission has been sought, extended and lapsed,” says Christine. A revised, detailed Stage 2B design package was submitted to the Department of Education earlier this year, but approval has yet to be granted. The petition seeks the immediate approval and delivery of the new school building. “Our teachers and staff continue to create a warm, caring and inclusive environment, but goodwill isn’t enough,” Christine adds. The school hopes that the people of Ballinasloe will come together to sign the petition. It can be found on www.change.org (https://c.org/ qFGyV4PmCT), Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
