Frank O’Rourke TD has stated that permanent sites in Celbridge are required for St Patricks NS and Celbridge Community College and must be made a priority
Deputy O’Rourke made the comment after raising the issue with the Department of Education.
“We need to secure permanent educational facilities for St Patrick’s NS and the newly established post-primary school, Celbridge Community School, which opened in temporary accommodation in 2015.”
“The Department of Education has confirmed to me that it is pursuing a site for these two schools now. Initially lands owned by Kildare Wicklow ETB located at Hazelhatch, Celbridge were acquired to accommodate these two schools. However, given the difficulties encountered with that site, due to flooding, these plans did not go ahead.”
“I continue to raise the requirement for additional school places that are required in Celbridge to cater for current and future demand arising from the proposed residential units outlined in the local area plan.”
“As I have said before, we must provide infrastructure in tandem with development rather than try and retrofit infrastructure after development takes place. This is the case for public transport, roads including a new bridge in Celbridge, water and of course schools” stated Deputy O’Rourke.
“Our immediate focus must be to secure permanent educational facilities for St Patrick’s NS and the newly established post-primary school Celbridge Community School. I will continue to make representations to the Department and Kildare Wicklow Educational Training Board to secure planning and construction on the appropriate site as soon as possible.”
“Given the projected needs for school places, the Department of Education has confirmed to me that it has requested that the reservation on the KWETB lands on Hazelhatch Road, for educational use, be retained so that when the flood risk issues are addressed, this site would be available to serve future educational needs. I am delighted that the Department is planning adequately for the future, but we need action on the ground now for St Patricks NS and Celbridge Community College”