Curraghmore NS update: tender issued

The tender documents have issued for Curraghmore NS, Minister for Education Richard Bruton TD confirmed to Fine Gael TD, Peter Burke, this week.

Pointing out that this is a further step on the road for the school to be finished on target for September 2018, Deputy Burke said: “I have been in continuous contact with the Dept of Education and the minister in relation to the relocation of Curraghmore NS to the Ardmore Road.

“I have pushed the project since I was first elected to Westmeath County Council and I am satisfied that the project is progressing appropriately. The tenders will be returned by May 10.

“There were delays with the new build and further investment from the department to expedite plans. Additional resources have been sanctioned to accelerate certain issues.

“A review of the design was carried out and improvements incorporated into plans, which I believe will add significant value to the site in the long run and for generations to come.

“I continue to liaise with the minister, Westmeath County Council and the school on a regular basis to avoid delays and to ensure the school is 100% prepared for all the students who will attend in September 12 months.”

Saplings School ‘a priority’

In a further question, Deputy Burke asked Minister Bruton for an update on progress for a new building for Saplings Special School in Mullingar.

The minister’s reply was: “The deputy will be aware that a building project for the school in question is included in my department’s six-year Construction Programme (2019/21).

“My department has identified a suitable site as a permanent location for the school and the acquisition process is under way.

“Discussions are ongoing in relation to the provision of access to the site and officials are working with officials from Westmeath County Council in this regard.

"I can assure the deputy that the acquisition of a new site for the school is a priority for the department and officials are working to complete this process as expeditiously as possible.

“My department will continue to liaise directly with the school authorities concerned in the context of progressing the project through the architectural planning process.”