The need for progress in the construction of new schools in Carrigtwohill has been raised during a special debate in Dail Eireann by Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton. A new primary school to amalgamate the existing two primary schools Scoil Mhuire Naofa and Scoil Chlochair Mhuire and a new post-primary school are planned for the town.

“While I warmly welcome this week’s announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD, that the primary and post-primary schools in Carrigtwohill along with Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann, Midleton Educate Together and Gaelscoil de hIde in Fermoy are all due to begin construction in 2015, I am anxious that the Carrigtwohill schools be progressed as soon as possible”, noted Deputy Stanton.

“The proposal to amalgamate the two Carrigtwohill primary schools into a new 32 classroom school was made a number of years ago with the project listed on the Department of Education’s school building programme to go to construction in 2014/2015. However, pupil numbers are increasing so rapidly due to large scale housing developments in Carrigtwohill that there some concern that a 32 classroom school may not be sufficient to cater for demand. I believe that both schools also need further temporary accommodation to allow them to meet demand for places in September 2015.

“I understand from the Dail debate that the conveyancing process for the new site, which will also include a new 800 pupil post-primary school, is still ongoing but is close to completion. The project has been assigned to the Department’s design team and that the school authorities will be invited to review plans for the schools early in 2015. I was also assured that as it is envisaged that since construction will commence towards the end of 2015 that temporary accommodation needs for September 2015 for both Scoil Chlochair Mhuire and Scoil Mhuire Naofa will have to be addressed.

“I am pleased that construction will begin within the next year on these schools which are vital to children of Carrigtwohill. The primary schools are doing everything they can to meet demand for places but at this stage are extremely limited for space to expand, even with temporary accommodation. The new second level is also urgently needed. While Carrigtwohill has an excellent girls second level school, St Aloysius, boys currently have to travel to Midleton, Glanmire, Cobh or Fermoy. I understand it is hoped that construction should be completed on both the new schools in 2016.