Clonakilty Mayor, Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin has welcomed today’s news that An Bórd Pleánala has granted planning permission for the construction of a new purpose-built Gaelscoil school building in the town.
The Mayor (who also works as the Rúnaí Scoile – School Secretary at the Gaelscoil) said:
“There will be a widespread “Céad Míle Fáilte” for the news that after 18 years and several moves in various rented properties around Clonakilty, the Gaelscoil, has at last been granted planning permission to build a proper, purpose built school building.
I want to pay tribute to all involved who have been associated with An Gaelscoil since it opened in September 1994, with 20 pupils and Carmel Nic Airt, as the sole teacher.
Now with almost 250 pupils on the roll and over 20 staff, tribute has to be paid to the Príomhoide, Carmel Nic Airt who has persevered in spite of many challenges and obstacles, to ensure that the daltaí have always received a top class education. Likewise the Múinteoirí who worked in difficult conditions.
Most of all, today is a good day for the children and families who despite so many obstacles over the years have always believed in and supported the school and the staff, to make the best out of often impossible situations.
Seven years ago, the Department of Education secured a site at Fernhill Road, but it is only now, at long last that the building is about to start.