Plea for delivery of new Mayo school at former factory site

A call has been issued to new Mayo Minister of State Alan Dillon to deliver a new school for the pupils of Educate Together National School, Castlebar, on the site of the former hat factory at Newport Road in the town.

It has been issued by local election independent candidate Harry Barrett who attended a public meeting in the Boy Scouts HQ last night to highlight the urgent need for the facility.

The meeting, called by the board of management of the 138 pupils, heard staff and parents speaking about the shocking conditions their children are experiencing due to a lack of space and their school being located across three campuses.

Barrett stated: "I was amazed at the fighting spirit on show.

"One pupil brought the house down when she vowed: 'We will continue the fight, we will never give up'.

"The pupil outlined how difficult conditions can be due to lack of space.

"Her words seem to galvanise the crowd and I am confident after attending the meeting, listening to patents and staff, that this school will be built.

"This spirit was echoed in turn by every parent who spoke and indeed the teaching staff who are going above and beyond to make things work for the children, despite the difficult conditions.

"However, they need the support of local political representatives and I now call on Junior Minister, Alan Dillon, to make it his first act of delivery to the people of Castlebar.

"The school want the Old Hat Factory on the Newport Road to be purchased with immediate effect to house a brand new facility for the children of Castlebar Educate Together National School.

"It would be a clear signal of intent that he can deliver in this town."

The meeting was attended by a number of local elected representatives in full support of the school's plans.