The Clare People Archive

MOST OF the teachers in the exist- ing Steiner schools in Ennistymon and Tuamgraney do not have the re- quired qualifications and would not be eligible to seek employment in the new schools that have will State rec- ognition.

That was the admission made by the patron body, Lifeways Ireland Ltd of Mol an Oige Steiner School and Raheen Wood Steiner school at

a meeting with the Department of Education officials last June.

According to records released through the Freedom of Information Act, the department secured guaran- tees that the proposed schools would commence the teaching of formal reading in senior infants and that Lifeways Ireland accepted the need for the use of standardised assess- ment in the primary schools.

A department memo last January recommended that recognition be

refused for the schools as they didn’t provide a “sufficiently clear commit- ment to provide Primary Curriculum 1999 to pupils”.

It was only after an oral hearing in March of last year that the schools won over the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC).

However, records show that in February, the NSAC requested the department to withdraw the offer of an oral hearing due to the Clare VEC being ruled out as a patron body.

It was urged to complete the delib- erative process by the department and arising from the oral hearing, the NSAC reported they were satis- fied the schools were committed to delivering the curriculum required of national schools”.

The inspectorate responded that there wasn’t any “pedagogical rea- sons to reject the recommendations of the NSAC”.

The department granted one year’s recognition with permanent recog-

nition contingent on the outcomes of comprehensive inspection of the schools.

“The provisional recognition status of each school will be reviewed be- fore August 3, 2009 and the minister may extend the period of provisional recognition or withdraw recognition entirely or grant permanent recogni- tion to either or both schools.”

A separate department memo noted that the process yielded little by way of public response.

THE Department of Education was urged not to squander taxpayers’ money on duplicating the provision of primary education in Ennistymon by granting recognition to the Mol an Oige school.

The board of management of the amalgamated St Fachnan’s and St At- tracta’s primary school in Kilfenora stated that “under no circumstances” would they support Mol an Oige’s at- tempt to gain recognition.

The submission opposing the Stein- er school stated that the combined number of roll in September 2001 was 82 while in September 2006, this had fallen to 62.

“We do not welcome the negative impact the recruitment drive of Mol an Oige may have on further deplet- ing our pupil numbers. At recent par- ent teacher meetings, local support was not evident for this proposed new school, however, there was evidence of confusion among some, arising from the promotion and advertising of the proposed new school.

“We consider that the educational, social, cultural and religious needs of primary schools are being adequate-

ly met by the five existing schools in Ennistymon parish and the eight primary schools within a seven mile radius of Ennistymon.

“Up to the year 2000, there were two primary schools in our par- ish, due to a decline in numbers in Inchovea School, the BOM success-

fully amalgamated with Kilfenora National School.

“North Clare and Ennistymon are not areas of rapidly expanding popu-

lation; in fact our parish which 1s sit- uated only four miles from Ennisty- mon is experiencing a noticeable decline in our student population and it would be far more beneficial to in- vest the money in upgrading and en- hancing facilities in the established primary schools serving the area.”

In a separate submission, Maura Clancy deputy principal of Kilfenora stated, “It is unacceptable to waste taxpayers’ money of the provision of a new school. There are schools in north Clare that lack basic facilities and accommodation and it would be far better to upgrade those schools.

“We are all aware of the lack of services, such as speech and lan- guage therapy, occupational therapy in our existing schools. Financial in- vestment in these areas would be far more beneficial and I sincerely hope that the proposed new school will not receive recognition.

THE boards of management of two small schools on the outskirts of En- nistymon expressed concern about the future viability and very exist- ence of their schools if recognition was granted to Mol an Oige.

A joint submission from the boards of management of Clouna National School, Furglan National School and Scoil Mhuire in Lahinch, claimed that the “educational needs of the area are already more than reason- ably met by the existing five co-edu- cational primary schools”.

“An additional primary school would merely duplicate the educa- tional services already being pro- vided and would seem ludicrous from a financial and administrative point of view. We seriously question the level of support that a sixth pri- mary school could enjoy in this rural area,’ the submission claims.

Lodged in December 2006, the

submissions claimed that the major- ity of those enrolled in Mol an Oige were not from within the community and this implied that there was broad satisfaction with the existing schools in the Lahinch-Ennistymon area. “We are concerned about the future viability and very existence of all the schools in our parish, particularly our two smaller outlying schools, should this new school receive departmental

recognition. It is amazing to see the Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) willing to act as patron for this new school. We question why the VEC is now taking an adminis- trative interest in the primary educa- tion sector and if their rules allow them to do so.

“An additional primary school would be a heavy draw on the avail- able school-going population. It seems irrational to consider funding another school in an area which is al- ready well served by five schools.”

In a separate submission Furglan primary school principal, Patricia Vaughan said she feels very strongly that the educational needs of the par- ish were already more than reason- ably met by the existing schools and an additional school would merely duplicate the services already being EOD sleleem

THE president of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) said yesterday that it was a legitimate part of the political process that politi- cians would make representations on behalf of a new school seeking state recognition.

Corofin primary school principal and newly elected INTO President Declan Kelleher was commenting after it emerged that An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern and Minister for Fi- nance, Brian Cowen were just two of a number of senior politicians that made representations on behalf of Mol an Oige Steiner school.

“Everyone can make representa- tions to politicians. INTO has no difficulty with Mol an Oijge secur- ing recognition provided that every school in north Clare is properly re- sourced. We have no difficulty with diversity within the system provided that the school adheres to the prima- ry school curriculum,” he said.

THE principal and chairman of Kilshanny primary school told the Department of Education that there were not enough children in north Clare to sustain a new school.

Outlining their opposition to the application by Mol an Oige for new school status, principal, Mary Mc- Namara and chairman of the school’s board of management, Fr Peter Rab- bitte stated that their school had 38 pupils on roll and this was made up of children within the catchment area and further afield, drawn by an inclusive enrolment policy that tran- scended social background, religious belief and ethnic origin.

“We feel there are not enough chil- dren in north Clare to sustain a new school as well as maintain current enrolment levels in existing schools. In an area like Kilshanny, which has already seen its shop and post office close, the school is a focal point for the community and provides children with a sense of identity, so important in a rapidly, changing society.

“We query the status of the pro- posed school — is it Steiner or mul- ti-denominational or both. We also query the involvement of the VEC in primary education.

Another objection lodged by Doolin National School principal, Michelle Moroney and board of management chairman, Fr Peter Rabbitte ex-

pressed concern that losing some pu- pils would lead to the loss of future positions within the school.

‘At present, we have 79 on our roll and in September 2007, we are hope- ful at having 80, which will lead to the creation of an extra mainstream position within our school. We are all teaching three class groupings, which is a serious challenge for any teacher. Hopefully, we will have a fourth mainstream teacher shortly which will make teaching more man- ageable for all. Should we lose just one pupil to Mol an Oige, we will not achieve this.”

Gaelscoil losaif Naofa in Moy also stated that since Mol an Oige com- menced operating on a voluntary basis, five children transferred from Gaelscoil Maigh during September PAU Oey

Two more pupils had since indicat- ed their intention to transfer and the school’s potential enrolment contin- ued to be affected negatively.

In a separate submission, school principal, Michael O Conchuir said there was a locally held percep- tion that there will be an emphasis on teaching through the medium of Irish. The name itself would suggest deh

‘As a Gaelscoil serving the same proposed catchment area, we feel that the establishment of a similar medium school is totally unneces- sary, he said.

A TOTAL OF eight north-Clare pri- mary schools lodged strenuous ob- jections to attempts by Mol an Oige Steiner school in Ennistymon to se- cure state recognition.

According to records’ released through the Freedom of Information Act, a total of 52 objections were lodged against the new school – made up of boards of management, school

principals, teachers and parents from primary schools based in and around Ennistymon, Kilshanny, Kilfenora, Doolin, Lahinch and Moy.

The objections came from Convent Primary School, Ennistymon, Clou- na National School, Furglan Nation- al School, Doolin National School, Kilshanny National School, Lahinch Scoil Mhuire, Scoil losef Maigh and St Fachnan’s and St Attracta’s Na- tional School at Kilfenora.

The greatest amount of opposition in numerical terms came from the Burren village of Kilfenora where 22 objections were received, while three priests, Fr Pat Rabbitte, Fr Joseph Roche and Rev Sean McHugh in their role as chairmen of schools’ board of management were also par- ty to school objections.

However, the objections to the school were outnumbered three to one by those in favour after Mol an

Oige encouraged a_ letter-writing campaign in order to secure a posi- tive response from the Department of Education.

151 submissions were received in favour of the school application and these are made up of community supporters (64), parent/family (42), school/teacher 16, business person (5), public representatives (3) while those ‘not clear’ were 21.

Public representatives to write in

favour of the Mol an Oige bid in- cluded Deputy Timmy Dooley and Councillor Flan Garvey.

The bid for recognition by Raheen Wood Steiner school in Tuamgraney received only one objection, while 76 submissions were received in favour.

However, internal departmental memos show that no consideration was given to the various concerns expressed by the schools in relation to the application from Mol an Oige.

under

the Freedom of Information Act. Along with the letter from Mr Ahern last November, representations were

also made by Finance Minister Brian Cowen, Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, Community Affairs Min- ister Eamon O’Cuiv, the then Tour- ism Minister John O’Donoghue, while Minister of State Tony Killeen made six representations.

A letter was sent from the Office of the Taoiseach last November with a printed signature ‘Bertie’ to Minister Mary Hanafin on the application by Mol an Oijige for new school recog- nition. Mr Ahern said he was writ- ing on behalf of Flan Garvey, Inagh, regarding an application by Mol an

Oige for official recognised status.

“T understand that the Lifeways Group, which is seeking the authori- sation, met with officials from your Department in Tullamore, Novem- ber 12, 2007, and were advised that the department would revert to them with their decision. I would be grate- ful if you would let me know the present status in relation to this mat- ter.” Former mayor of Clare, Coun- cillor Flan Garvey is the father of founding teacher of the Mol an Oige school, Una Ni Ghairbhith.

In response, Minister Hanafin said

that her officials met with the prin- cipal of Mol an Oige where the sub- stantive issues relating to the appli- cation were discussed at length

“My officials are currently consid- ering the replies received with a view to making a recommendation to me in the coming days. I will consider these recommendations and the pro- posed patron will be informed of the outcome. I hope this information is of assistance to you.”

Underlining the determined politi- cal campaign by Mol an Ojge to se- cure recognition, 34 separate repre-

sentations were made in response to lobbying from constituents.

Former senator Brendan Daly made the highest number of rep- resentations at seven, followed by Minister Killeen, Minister O Cuiv who made four and former Minister, John O’Donoghue who made three representations and one in his cur- rent position of Ceann Comhairle. Minister Coughlan and Cllr Garvey made two representations, while Minister Cowen, Pat Breen TD, Joe Carey TD, Olwyn Enright TD all made one each.

FURTHER evidence of a downturn in the Clare housing market emerged yesterday with figures for house completions in the county for the first quarter of this year dropping by Boma tle

The drop in Clare from 556 last year to 346 this year is higher than the national drop of 29 per cent over the same period. The number of house completions in Clare in March was 94 – almost half the 197 output for March of 2007. The completions for March are significantly down on February and January of this year.

152 houses were built in Febru- ary, down 237 on the correspond- ing month last year. The number of homes built in January was 100, down on the 122 built in January 2007.

The downturn in house completions coincides with “reduced reserve” signs being placed on properties around the county. Many sellers are not securing the prices they forecast for their property.

At last night’s meeting of Clare County Council, a number of coun- cillors said the country was now en- tering a recession with the downturn in the housing sector.

Cllr PJ Kelly (FF), Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) and Clir Tommy Bren- nan (FF) all raised the spectre of re- cession when discussing new house levies. NUI Galway economist Prof Alan Ahern also offered a downbeat assessment of the market when he said that property downturns nor- mally lasted five years.

Figures released by Homebond show that the number of new house starts in Limerick, Clare and Tipper- ary for the first quarter of this year is 337. This compares to 1,155 new house starts for the same period last year, a drop of 818 or 71 per cent.

Figures for March confirm the con-

tinuing slow-down in house building in the region.

Homebond, which covers 75 per cent of new house registrations, has found only 23 new homes were start- ed in Limerick during last month, a drop on the 194 started in January 2007.

The number of new house starts in Clare dropped from 113 in March 2007 to 55 last year. In Tipperary, the number of new houses built dropped from 138 to 97.

The building industry has attrib- uted the massive downturn in house starts in March to the Easter holidays falling earlier than usual this year.

A GROUP of around 35 residents from the Gaurus area of Ennis have raised concerns over plans for a €200 million village on the eastern outskirts of the town.

Last month, Ennis-based construc- tion firm, Crystal Partners lodged plans for the largest ever housing development in Clare seeking plan- ning for 471 residential units in the first phase of a masterplan that would ultimately deliver 700 new homes.

When fully occupied, the first phase of the housing development would almost double the current population of the Doora parish of around 1,500.

The site covers a 95-acre landbank and along with the 471 residential units, the planning application also provides for a creche, neighbour- hood centre with shopping facilities and 14 residential serviced sites. The masterplan also provides for a 16-teacher school and an associated playing field.

However, an objection lodged on behalf of residents of Gaurus/Bal- laghboy/Knockanean highlights se- rious concerns over several aspects of the proposed development which, they claim, is “flawed in its concep- tion and design given the serious dis- regard for proper, evolved, integrated site development and the safety of lo-

cal residents and road users.

“Although, we are not opposed to the development of this property, we ey iTS (6les mm MED. @OKes OCCA VBE ONL OLO)Me-DOLMmOeT:II the size and nature of the scheme be appropriate and that the infrastruc- ture to support current and future populations be put in place”.

On the need for an additional pri- mary school in the area, the residents maintain that the council must ensure a commitment to a further school pri- or to granting planning permission in order to cope with increased demand and ensure that adequate education facilities are available for the grow- ing community.

The residents point out that there

is currently only one primary school in the area, Knockanean National School, which is already overcrowd- ed due to the increased population.

“The density of housing proposed for this development is inappropri- ate to an edge of town location where sufficient building has taken place in the last few years to accommodate for sustainable growth.

A high density development in this area would lead to the destruction of the residential amenities currently enjoyed by home owners as well as future home owners in the area”.

A decision is expected on the appli- cation next month, though with the scale of the development.

A DUBLIN man who came to Ennis believed he had found the drugs “sale of the century” when he discovered he had bought 41 ecstasy tablets for €60.

Matthew Moore, (25) of 37 Blue- bell Road, Dublin 12, was “genuine- ly surprised” after he was searched and gardai found more than 40 tabs of the drug on him, a Garda court witness said.

Garda Stephen Jenkins told the

Ennis Circuit Court that Moore had travelled from Dublin to attend a DJ night in the nightclub in The Barge Rooms on April 1.

He came to the notice of gardai through an interaction with another man who had been the subject of an undercover Garda surveillance op- eration, Judge Sean O’Donnabhain heard.

When the accused was approached, Garda Jenkins said, he put his hand in his pocket and drew out a plastic bag containing 37 tablets. Four more

were found on him when he was searched, the garda said.

These were later tested and it was confirmed that they were the drug ecstasy.

The garda agreed with Patrick Whyms, BL, defending that Moore seemed “genuinely shocked” to learn how many tablets he possessed.

‘He said that he had bought what he thought was 20 tablets for his own use,’ Garda Jenkins said. The garda agreed that the price of the drug var- ied and would be on sale in Dublin

for about €5 a tab while bulk-buying of tablets often involved discount.

“He agreed during interview when it was put to him that this was the sale of the century,” Garda Jenkins Sr AKOE

Moore pleaded guilty to posses- sion of the drug. Mr Whyms told the court that his client had built up a courier business which was earning good money and which employed two people paying PRSI and PAYE.

‘‘He’s a young man who drifted into using soft drugs. He came to Ennis

with his girlfriend for the weekend. It was their first weekend away to- gether. He bought the tablets for his own use,’ Mr Whyms said.

“At the time he was using ecstasy quite a bit. This was a turning point for him. He was arrested, spent the night in the Garda station and never saw the girl again. Since this hap- pened he has addressed his problem and has never taken ecstasy again.”

After hearing Moore’s business had a turnover of €140,000 per annum, the judge fined him €1,000.