Call for progress update on Educate Together school for Cork town

A number of issues were raised by councillors at this week’s meeting of Cork County Council’s Carrigaline Municipal District committee.

Among them was a motion placed by Sinn Féin councillor Eoghan Fahy, requesting that the committee write to minister for education Hildegarde Naughton requesting specific progress updates on Owenabue Educate Together National School.

“After six years in temporary accommodation, and with clearly defined capacity limits from June 2028 onwards, the current lack of certainty presents serious challenges for forward planning, enrolment, staffing, and the provision of much-needed autism places in the Carrigaline area,” read his motion.

Questions he wants answered include what is the Department of Education’s current plan for the school and what is the realistic timeframe for delivery of the permanent school building.

Support

Mr Fahy further wants to know how does the department intend to support the delivery of the five approved autism classes in the absence of a permanent building.

He also asked what contingency arrangements are envisaged when the school’s existing accommodation can no longer meet demand, including the operational and financial implications of continuing to operate a split site.

Finally, and perhaps most crucially, he asked if the Department of Education believed the whole issue would finally be resolved by September 2028.

Responding to Mr Fahy’s queries, municipal district officer Denise Kidney said they would query the issues raised by Mr Fahy in writing to the minister for education and youth, Hildegarde Naughton.

“Once an update is provided this will be shared with all elected members,” she said.

Other issues raised 

Another issue raised at the meeting was a request from councillor Audrey Buckley for an update on the current status of the proposed reinstatement works for the Myrtleville slipway, including details of any funding that has been identified or secured for the project.

Pointing out the issue had been raised more than a year ago, Ms Buckley asked if there is an indicative timeline for when the works are to proceed.

Ms Kidney said that a business case for the project is in the process of being prepared.

“Once we have an update this will be provided,” she said.

Councillor Jack White sought an update on the filter lane by Janeville in Carrigaline, and if timeline for changes to the lane might be implemented.

“The filter lane has been discussed as dangerous for a number of years now,” he said.

Ms Kidney said that Section 38 drawings, relating to traffic calming and minor road improvements, are “currently being progressed”, and once these have been completed will be advertised before any works commence on the ground.