Funding needed for new carpark at Laois primary school under construction

A Laois primary school is in need of a new carpark to cater for their brand new building as well as other community amenities.

Laois County Council have been asked to support the installation of a new carpark at Gaelscoil Slí Dala in Ballaghmore, including designated disability and age-friendly parking spaces.

Not only does the existing carpark support the primary school, but also Kyle GAA Club, Caterpillars Childcare, as well as St. Molua's Church and graveyard.

A brand new school building is being delivered for Gaelscoil Slí Dala, after the school has had to work out of prefabs for the past 20 years.

Councillor Conor Bergin has requested the council to support the school's efforts in installing a new carpark, emphasising the central role it plays in catering to the parish.  

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However, Laois County Council have said that as these lands are in private ownership, the Roads Department are not in a position to provide funding.

The carpark is within the ownership of the parish and so funding options would have to be explored by the parish or school.

The parish council in Ballaghmore have contacted a number of local councillors in recent weeks seeking their support for the project. 

At the March meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick MD, Cllr Bergin supported the school's appeal, saying: "There's two autism classes there. The school is providing a huge service in the area and the new facility is going to be fantastic."

He said that from wear and tear over the years and contractors working on the school, it has "taken a fair toll on the carpark" adjacent to it.

The Fine Gael councillor said that costing has been done for the proposed project, with the cost estimated to be in the region of €30,000.

Senior Executive Engineer for Laois County Council, Rory O'Callaghan, added that this cost doesn't include VAT. It covers traffic management, excavations, the surfacing, and disposal of the material.

Cllr Bergin said he will commit a "good chunk" of his discretionary funding to get the carpark done as it's a very important amenity for the area.

Cllr James Kelly backed the parish's appeal as well and said he will also dedicate a portion of his discretionary funding for the project.

The community will fundraise as much as they can, however Cllr Bergin noted "it is a big ask."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme