Way cleared for new national school building in Westport after long wait

A Mayo TD has confirmed that the new school building for Holy Trinity National School, Westport, will proceed as a single-school project on the former Scoil Phádraig site on Altamount Street in the town.

Deputy Michael Ring stated: “I am truly delighted that Holy Trinity National School will proceed as a single school project on the site at Altamount Street, Westport.

"I worked consistently on this issue to ensure that Holy Trinity School would be the only new school build on this site.

“Holy Trinity National School is currently housed in a 230 year old building in the centre of Westport.

"They had been approved a new build but the department proposed that a second primary school would be located on this site.

"Before I left ministerial office, I got a cast iron guarantee from the former Minister for Education, Joe McHugh, that this would not be allowed to happen.

“I raised this matter on the floor of the Dáil and continued to raise it at every opportunity.

"I am very pleased that official confirmation has now been issued to Holy Trinity National School."

The announcement by Deputy Ring has been welcomed by local Councillor Brendan Mulroy as 'excellent news for the town."

"I have been working with my elected colleagues in the community to get this matter resolved and I am glad now that it is. I wish the school and everybody associated with it every success in the future."

A school development by Education Together Westport had also been earmarked for the site, but that has now been shelved.