'Disgraceful' decision to delay Laois school in 'dire need'

The decision by the Department of Education to take Kolbe school off the priority Capital Building Programme is disgraceful, according to local Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley. 

The Laois Offaly TD issued a statement after staff had to tell the parents of some of the most vulnerable children in Laois that the €9 million project, which had the green light, but has not been put on orange.

“The children, parents and staff in Kolbe have waited years and they are in dire need of a new building. This decision is disgraceful. They have the worst building and facilities in the county. Absolute commitments were given to myself and others on this and that it was being fast tracked. I have raised this issue with successive Government Ministers. Minister Foley and other Ministers have been adamant that the project is “A Priority’’, h said.

Dep Stanley said the new building for Kolbe School has been ready to go since last year with site surveys and preparation work completed. He said architect for the school was given the green light on March 3 for preliminary approval for groundworks. However, by Monday all this changed when the Department pulled the project.

"Government now need to get this back on track, Kolbe has been neglected for too long. I have engaged with the Minister and the Department to get Kolbe reinstated to priority status and works commenced," insisted the TD.  

Heartbreak as school for most vulnerable children in Laois put on hold

A Department of Education statement said it would be providing clarity on the projects for each of the schools as soon as possible. 

Department to contact Portlaoise school 'as soon as possible'

Kolbe Special School specifically caters for children (age 4-18) within the severe to profound learning disability spectrum and/or autism. There are 40 pupils in the school which is heavily reliant on prefabs.

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