Minister Foley supports new purpose-built Castlebar Educate Together school
Castlebar Educate Together National School has been advised by Minister for Education Norma Foley to identity a suitable location for a purpose-built new school building in the town.
Castlebar Educate Together NS opened on Cavendish Lane in 2016 with 12 pupils.
Today, it is a fast growing school with 117 pupils.
Minister Foley acknowledged that the school has outgrown its dual campus configuration in its current premises in Marsh House and on the Newport Road, and that that the buildings are no longer suitable as permanent locations.
The minister complimented how the staff and children were making the best use of the leased buildings.
In supporting the need for a new school building, the minister requested that the board of Management of the school work directly with her department to identify a new location for a purpose-built school in the town of Castlebar.
The minister’s acknowledgement and support has been very much welcomed by all involved in campaigning for a purpose-built Educate Together school since 2015.
School principal Sarah Calvey believes this week is an historic week for the school.
She stated: “The conversation over the years from the school’s point of view has always been the same.
"The long-term goal was to get the Department of Education to accept that we needed a new build.
"Each year we were trying to address the immediate accommodate needs of the school but also always trying to get a commitment about a new build.
"To have an opportunity to speak directly with Minister Foley and to receive confirmation that a new site and new build is on its way is very exciting for us.
"The support of Minister Foley means so much to the parents, staff and children at Castlebar Educate Together NS.
"Since opening, our enrolment figures have grown rapidly.
"Previous planning restrictions on pupil numbers in our current premises meant many parents and children were left disappointed when told there was no room for more pupils.
"However, the action plan now in place to secure a site for a new-build school that has been endorsed by the Minister for Education, local Oireachtas members and local authority members, is a relief to our school community that has given great support throughout the years of uncertainty.”
Deputy Alan Dillon, Senator Lisa Chambers and councillors Blackie Gavin, Al McDonnell and Martin McLoughlin also joined the tour of the school and pledged their support and assistance in delivering a new school building for Castlebar ETNS.