West Mayo school plan stalled

A Westport national school's plans to develop a new school have been effectively stalled by the Department of Education.

The department have identified their site for use as temporary accommodation for a local secondary school, putting their plans on hold.

The Holy Trinity National School authorities have expressed dismay after a letter was received from the department, saying the decision is not justified.

Holy Trinity NS has had a near 15-year battle to get a new school after being deemed ‘not fit for purpose’ by the department.

They secured the old Scoil Phadraig site on Altamount Street as a location for a new school, with plans drawn up.

However, the department has issued a letter stating that while the school’s project progresses through its various stages, it has identified the former Scoil Phadraig building as a solution for urgent temporary accommodation needs for the Sacred Heart School.

Dismay has been expressed by the Holy Trinity school community at the decision after a long battle for a new school.