Update call on Athenry campus plans
An opposition TD from Galway East has demanded a timeline and start date for construction for Gaelscoil Riada and Coláiste an Eachréidh’s new school campus in Athenry.
The campus will ultimately comprise a 450-pupil post-primary school for Coláiste an Eachréidh, alongside a 16-class primary school for Gaelscoil Riada, both with Special Educational Needs classrooms provided.
But, as Deputy Louis O’Hara pointed out, the schools have been waiting since 2006 for the construction of the new campus.
And despite being included in the 2026/2027 National Development Plan list, he said that no timeline has been provided yet for when construction will commence.
Deputy O’Hara highlighted what he described as the deplorable conditions that staff and students in Gaelscoil Riada are dealing with in their current school building – including ongoing issues with drainage and sewage.
In response, Taoiseach Michéal Martin said he would engage with the Minister for Education, Galway West Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, in relation to the school.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy O’Hara described Gaelscoil Riada as ‘a fantastic school’.
“It's the only Irish medium primary school in Athenry but the school building is totally inappropriate,” he said.
“There's a number of issues including toilets frequently blocking and overflowing, ongoing sewage drainage problems, raw sewage overflowing and spilling onto the school yard.
"This sewage is flooding at the main entrance to the school and the entrance was inaccessible in recent weeks as a result.
It's the only Irish medium primary school in Athenry but the school building is totally inappropriate
“These are deplorable conditions which pose a real serious health and safety risk to the entire school community.
“They are now waiting since 2006 for a new school campus alongside Coláiste an Eachréidh.
“They have been includedon the NDP list for 26/27 but they still haven't receivedclarity on a likely timeline and start date for construction,” he continued.
“So in light of the circumstances, Taoiseach, can you engage with the Minister (for Education) and ensure that clarity is provided as soon as possible, that the project is accelerated, and that support is provided to the school in the meantime to deal with these issues,” added the Sinn Féin Deputy.
“In terms of Gaelscoil Riada, admhaím go bhfuil deacrachtaí ann agus dúshláin an-mhór ann ó thaobh bhainistíocht na scoile,” replied the Taoiseach.
“Cé go bhfuil an struchtúr, níl sé oiriúnach agus tá an-chuid le déanamh.
“So sewage, flooding a lot of issues with the building. I will talk to the Minister in terms of clarity around that particular project,” he said.