This article is from page 4 of the 2006-04-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh, has publicly apologised for the delay in improving classroom conditions at three Ennis primary schools.
Conditions at Ennis National School, Scoil Chríost Rí and Ennis CBS have been criticised for a number of years, for overcrowding and a chronic lack of suitable facilities.
Speaking at a Confirmation Mass at Ennis Cathedral on Saturday, Dr Walsh said teachers were working in school buildings that were “not appropriate for these times.”
Both Ennis National and Scoil Chríost Rí are to move to new buildings, while work is to be carried out on the existing CBS building on New Road, Ennis.
Ennis National School’s relocation to a site at Ashline, Ennis, is dependant on rezoning, while a site for Scoil Chríost Rí has been earmarked on the Lahinch Road, but has yet to be finalised.
He told The Clare People that he felt partly responsible for the delays.
“While some progress is being made towards providing new buildings, I expressed regret to the teachers, parents and pupils for any responsibility I may have had for the delay.
“I feel that I was responsible for some of that delay, partly because I made a commitment which I was unable to deliver on in relation to one site (near St Flannan’s College) a number of years ago,” he said.
“I accept as patron of the schools that part of my responsibility is to try to work towards having all school buildings up to a reasonable standard.
“I certainly have been most eager to have new schools. I am sensitive to the difficult conditions under which the teachers have to work,” said Dr Walsh.
“I would be hoping the site matters would be cleared up within the next couple of months,” he said.
He said the apology was made in the context of thanking the teachers for their good work.
“I felt it was appropriate for me to acknowledge the fact that I didn’t do as well as I should have done.”
Meanwhile, the rezoning issue central to Ennis National School’s relocation will come before both Clare County Council and Ennis Town Council next month.
A statement from the sub-committee of the Board of Management of Ennis National School issued to The Clare People said, “The Department of Education has been in contact with the Killaloe Diocesan Office, expressing their wish to progress the new building as soon as a site becomes available.”