Newly elected TD for Dublin Mid West, Emer Higgins, raised the need for investment in local schools during a debate with the new Minister for Education. Speaking in the make-shift Dáil Chamber located temporarily in the Convention Centre Dublin, Higgins said that the experience of schools in her constituency doesn’t inspire hope. She cited seven schools in Dublin Mid West that were promised funding, promised new buildings and but were stuck in the lengthy planning process. She also points out that an eighth school, St Mary’s Boys National School, also in need of a new building has initiated the process for capital investment.
“St Joseph’s secondary school in Lucan is waiting on a new building for 15 years. Scoil Áine and St Thomas’ school in Lucan remain in prefabs. Lucan Community College is awaiting extension for as long as I can remember. Scoil Chrónáin is still awaiting it’s new building and it’s site is the subject of a planning application for a different, temporary school. Griffeen Community College is operating out of another school and my own secondary school Holy Family Community School which is waiting on a new school building since before I graduated,” said Deputy Emer Higgins during a debate with the newly appointed Minister for Education, Norma Foley.
“This simply isn’t good enough and that’s why I got involved in politics, to shout about these kind of issues in my constituency. Minister, I know from your background as a teacher and a local politician, that you must understand the justifiable outrage felt by parents, teachers and students. I’m asking you to help me, help me secure these new buildings – all promised for, all budgeted for and all needed,” concluded Emer Higgins.
*Photograph was taken prior to covid19.
