Burton asks for Inquiry into school building issues

06 November 2018

At the Oireachtas Education Committee today, Labour TD for Dublin West Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education to agree to hold an inquiry into how the situation with Western Building Systems arose, and in particular the negative impact on schools in Tyrrelstown. He acknowledged that answers were needed.

Deputy Burton said:

“At the Oireachtas Education Committee the recently appointed Minister for Education Joe McHugh agreed with my proposal that it was necessary to have a full inquiry into what happened in the school building programme with respect to the issues with Western Building Systems, and in particular the cases of Tyrrelstown Educate Together, and St Luke’s schools.

“This has had a major impact on the local community, and it’s clear it will have knock on consequences for the school building programme.

“There is still major uncertainty for parents, and the local community as the schools will remain closed until at least Thursday. It has also had an impact on after school care facilities and local sports clubs.

“I am deeply concerned at the financial impact of the works, and how this may delay further the urgently needed additional under the school building programme.

“It is not clear if a supplementary estimate will be required for these works, but it shouldn’t affect the other schools that need to be built.

“There has been a slowdown in development work and we still don’t know when St Patricks Junior and Senior schools will be rebuilt, nor has a permanent site been identified for  the Edmund Rice College to serve the Castleknock and Carpenterstown areas.”

Stay up to date

Receive our latest updates in your inbox.
By subscribing you agree to receive emails about our campaigns, policies, appeals and opportunities to get involved. Privacy Policy

Follow us

Connect with us on social media