This article is from page 24 of the 2014-05-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
THE Department of Education has granted approval for a new hall and an additional car park at St Joseph’s Secondar y School, Spanish Point.
The project is in addition to the new autism unit, which is expected to be completed later this year.
The two-room unit will be situated on the seaside of the secondary school.
Al ready teachers from the second- ar y school have under taken specialised training so that they can assist students from the unit who wish to under take some or all classes in the mainstream school.
The specialised autism unit will be staffed with exper t teachers and other staff, while the students who wish to can also avail of mainstream education.
As well as Depar tment of Education funding to build the unit, the school has also been supported by a number of local fundraisers to help stock the unit with state of the ar t equipment and props when it opens.
The car park and hall is a new addition to the campus.
Labour TD Michael McNamara said the approval of the hall will provide a facility for all who live in Spanish Point and its environs.
“This is excellent news. It is just two years ago since I first ar ranged a meeting with Principal Mary Crawford and Ruai rí Quinn. The project was delayed because of issues which arose in relation to the loss of rights of way to/from the school and the resultant need to provide additional car parking. These issues have now been resolved and the preparator y work can commence.
“This means the work of selecting the design team and building contractor can begin. Subject to a successful planning application, it is expected the new autism unit could be completed in time for the first intake of students in September 2015,” said Deputy McNamara.