U-turn welcome but Portlaoise School shouldn't have been on list, says Laois TD

Laois TD Brian Stanley questioned the government decision to put Kolbe Special School on a list of projects being reviewed before doing a ‘U-turn’.

The planned new school was one of 58 nationally which were placed on hold pending a review on March 6. The Department of Education said the review was taking place due to capital project funding pressure.

Kolbe Special School in Portlaoise caters for some of the most vulnerable children in the county. The 43 students are being taught in unsuitable conditions with inadequate space and few facilities. 

A new €9 million school had been approved by the Department and staff, parents and students were hopeful it would be completed by the end of 2024. However, just as preparatory works were beginning the school was contacted to say the project was being placed on hold. 

Minister for Education Norma Foley announced in a statement yesterday that all of the projects would now be resumed.    

“The U-turn by the Government and the Department of Education on the provision of a new building school building for Kolbe Portlaoise is very welcome,” said Deputy Stanley.

“All 58 schools which were put on hold last month are now back in the system to be progressed. Kolbe Special School should never have been removed and I spoke with the Minister for Education again last week and told her that,” Deputy Stanley said. 

“The reality is that Kolbe is in dire need of a new building and the staff and pupils have had to wait too long,” he remarked.  

'Common sense' - Laois special school campaign cautiously greet decision on Kolbe

“I compliment everybody who has played a role in campaigning for this. It is my intention to continue pushing for work to commence as soon as possible,” he added.