No commitment despite Dail appeals over 'intolerable' Kolbe School in Portlaoise

No commitment was given to local TDs in the Dail despite appeals to recommence the building of a new Kolbe Special School. 

The urgent need for a new Kolbe Special School in Portlaoise was discussed in the Dail this morning.

TDs Charlie Flanagan and Brian Stanley raised the issue ahead of a public meeting in Portlaoise this evening. Plans to replace the unsuitable school were put on hold by the government earlier this month. 

Deputy Flanagan said since the news was received at the school the students have become “despondent” and their parents are “distraught” and teachers and staff feel again let down once again. 

He described the building presently at Kolbe Special School as “totally inadequate” for the 43 students who have severe to profound learning difficulties. He recalled at least three Ministers for Education visiting the building in the past and he urged the Minister to do everything possible to progress the school. 

“This school is in dire need, absolutely dire need of a new building,” said Deputy Stanley.  He described the conditions at the school as “intolerable” and the worst he knew of. 

Deputy Stanley recalled previous “solemn promises” that funding wasn’t an issue back in May of 2018 when the then Minister for Education Joe McHugh said money was not a constraint to the building. 

Deputy Stanley said he received a letter from staff last year expressing concern about their ability to provide education in a safe environment given the conditions they were operating in. 

“I could not believe what I have seen in this school over the years,” said Deputy Stanley. 

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Education, Minister of State Jennifer Carroll McNeill acknowledged the importance of the project. 

She said a new eight classroom school is planned with ancillary accommodation. She acknowledged the present school was “deeply unsuitable” for children with severe and  profound learning difficulties. 

“The Minister has asked me to say that she is very conscious of the importance and the urgency of providing special schools including Kolbe Special School with modern facilities,” she remarked. 

Fianna Fail Portlaoise representative says local Government TDs of procrastination over Kolbe School

Minister MacNeill said she understood Minister Foley was in discussions with Minister Paschal Donohue at the Department of Public Expenditure in relation to capital funding pressures. 

“The one thing I would never do is promise something I couldn’t deliver to be completely honest,” said Minister MacNeill. 

“There is no question about the commitment of the Department to this special school and to other special schools,” she said. 

Minister MacNeill said in her experience the Department of Education does take a different approach for special schools and she was aware that the community is behind the project.

A public meeting is taking place this evening in St Mary's Hall in Portlaoise at 7.30pm.