Longford TD 'disappointed' as many schools at 'choking point' omitted from building list

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy (pictured) has said he is 'extremely disappointed' that several Longford schools have been omitted from a priority construction list as a number are at 'choking point' and he has made his feelings known to Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton.

The Department for Education and Youth published a list of 105 school building projects late last month that will be constructed or will progress to tender stage within the next two years.

Deputy Carrigy stated there was a significant number of projects that were 'sanctioned' in the early part of, 2020 onwards but with the reality of inflation 'the school building system isn't able to deliver them in a timely manner'.

The Fine Gael TD said it has therefore transpired that a significant number of projects "have been waiting and stuck" at various stages.

"The Department of Education prioritised a list of 105 projects to continue to tender and construction stage over the next two years.

"It's in the region of €1.6 billion [in cost], but there's only one project [in county Longford], which is Mel's, and that is a significant project ultimately as well.

"We're going to have the amalgamation of the two schools, but there's funding there for a certain part of that project," he added.

Deputy Carrigy lamented the fact that there is a' significant number of projects in other schools throughout the county that haven't been on that list' recently announced.

"I think we need to give certainty to those schools and their board of management, you know, of where they are in the system.

"We need to be moving them through various stages and have them ready to go at the construction stage.

"Because the reality is, you know, these schools are at choking point, they don't have any spare capacity.

"And we have seen situations where kids have not been able to get a place in their local secondary school because of capacity issues."

Deputy Carrigy said they need to give certainty to the schools about when construction will start and, in the meantime, through 2026 and 2027, these projects need to progress and 'get themselves to that stage where they'll be able to go to construction straight after'.

"From my point of view, I'm extremely disappointed. And I know I've already made overtures to the Minister of Education in relation to this.

"These are projects that I want to see progress. You know, we don't just want announcements and we want them delivered," he added.

Deputy Carrigy, who was asked if he could name some of the schools that were not on the list that have been dealing with uncertainty awaiting funding for an extension and or new school the Ballinalee native named two.

"I'm in Granard at the moment and I've been in Ardscoil Phádraig and Cnoc Mhuire Granard today, where there's a need for extensions to both schools.

“They are both waiting. They weren't on the list that was announced by the department.

"I know on Mercy Convent in Ballymahan also are looking for additional classroom facility and these schools are at capacity.

Deputy Carrigy said they to ensure schools in county Longford have 'proper facilities for our students and upgrades'.

Deputy Carrigy said he intends to work with Minister Naughton "in relation to this issue to give some certainty to schools in Longford".

It was also announced that schools in Longford will have two new special classes in the 2026/2027 academic years to support children with special educational needs.

Budget 2026 provides over €3 billion in funding for special education and this increased funding will allow schools recruit additional teaching and SNA staff to provide another 3,000 new special class and special school places.

Deputy Carrigy said the additional tranche 2 funding continuing to support these classes “will be key to continue supporting children with special educational needs and their families” in Longford.

“This is very welcome news for students, teachers and parents right across Longford.

"This is an important step in ensuring that children with additional needs can continue to learn and thrive in an inclusive setting in their school," he concluded.

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