Gaelscoil Bharra gets the go ahead

The pupils of Gaelscoil Bharra, who have studied in dilapidated prefabs for the last twenty years are getting the go-ahead today for their new school.  The Letter of Acceptance will issue to the contractor from the Department of Educations and Skills today.  It is now a matter for the contractor to go on site.  Work should begin within the next two weeks.

This is great news for the pupils, staff and parents who have campaigned for so long for their new school.  It is also good news for the local residents of Cabra and Phibsborough, who take pride in their national language and want an Irish school in their community.

Last Friday, an unexpected delay was announced by the Department of Education and Skills.  They said that they would have to profile expenditure for the coming year and this would delay the project for a number of weeks. 

The prospect of another election taking place without the sod being turned was unthinkable.  I worked closely with the Tánaiste Joan Burton, the Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin, over the last few days to iron out the problems.

The problems have now been resolved, and I am delighted to be able to assure everybody associated with Gaelscoil Bharra that their school is on the way at last.