Gaelscoil building for Bandon a ‘vote of confidence’

PROGRESS on the development of a new state-of-the-art school building and campus for a Bandon Gaelscoil has been welcomed as a “vote of confidence” in the town.

Fianna Fáil councillor Gillian Coughlan, who serves as the cathaoirleach of Gaelscoil Dhroichead na Banndan, said it is hoped that a planning application will be sought for the new facility in the near future, with a view to the project being completed in 2029.

Ms Coughlan, along with the school’s board of management and principal, and with the support of parents, staff, and pupils, is spearheading the construction of the new school building and campus in Cloghmacsimon, adjacent to Coláiste na Toirbhirte.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms Coughlan said progress was being made in negotiations with the Department of Education for the construction of the new building and campus.

“The Gaelscoil is currently located in a rented building which, while adapted as best as possible, has serious constraints, particularly with regard to outdoor play and sports,” she said.

“It is a source of great frustration to me and the board that we don’t have a permanent home of our own and while we are grateful to have a premises, we would love to have some extra space. Space is tight at that premises.

“So I am really welcoming the progress with the Department of Education. Some meetings have been held and the real detail now has been established as regards the shape and size of the new school; the financials are being discussed; and we’re hoping to apply for planning permission very soon.

“That’s really exciting for the school, for the students, for the parents, and for the entire town to see a new school being built in Bandon, in a town which has a great reputation for education already.”

Ms Coughlan said the creation of a shared campus with an extended, co-educational Coláiste na Toirbhirte will cater to a wider range of subjects and skills and is an exciting new departure.

“It will be on a shared campus with the newly-extended Coláiste na Toirbhirte, which again is a great vote of confidence by the Government in this town and the students and the parents of this town for growth and continued growth into the future,” she said. “As a public representative and as a teacher, it really gives me great encouragement for Bandon that we would continue to see that educational tradition maintained.”

Ms Coughlan said that “all going well” the new build will be completed by 2029 and said she looks forward to progressing with the project.

“Thanks to Minister for Education Norma Foley, the Department of Education recognises that Bandon and the surrounding area will need this greater capacity in education provision in order to facilitate the growing population. The investment is very welcome. I look forward to progressing this project into the future,” she said.