Gino Kenny TD says “It is completely unacceptable for students and teachers to work in substandard buildings” The Government have just announced cuts of over a third to the budget that funds small and medium scale building works that improve and upgrade existing school buildings. Local People Before Profit TD, Gino Kenny says: “This cut of €17 million to fund essential remedial and upgrade work to schools will mean the further degradation of many of our schools that are working out of buildings, which quite frankly, could have serious health and safety implications.
“Scoil Áine Naofa in Lucan is one such school that is adversely affected. I have recently been in contact with school staff who have reported the urgent need for the roof to be replaced. In the past, the Summer Works project would have funded this type of essential work. However, the school has had its application for these vital repairs refused. “The Lucan school is awaiting a comprehensive extension and refurbishment programme since 2003 but in the interim, remedial work on the roof is urgently needed. With the huge growth in housing estates in the area, the school is under huge pressure to meet the spiralling demand. It is completely unacceptable for students and teachers to work in substandard buildings. “I have submitted Parliamentary Questions to the Minister on the issue and I urge him to reverse the cuts so that schools like Scoil Áine Naofa can have essential work carried out, and children and staff can learn and work in a building that is fit for purpose,” added Deputy Kenny.
