Long-running lobby sees sod turned at Cahergal school

After almost 20 years campaigning, the sod was finally turned on the development of a new primary school in North Galway earlier this week – and it is expected that it will be completed by September next year.

Construction of the new Cahergal National School, near Tuam, will commence shortly – with the Department of Education awarding the contract to a North Galway builder.

Principal Sally Flynn expressed delight over the fact that the new school in finally proceeding and that the long haul is finally over. The process began back in 1998 when a formal application for an extension or a new school was made.

Then in 2009 the site for the new school was purchased and was transferred to the Department of Education. At the time was an evaluation by a school inspector who acknowledged the difficult conditions staff and children were in.

The official sod turning was attended by Minister for the Office of Public Works, Sean Canney and local councillor Pete Roche. It was also attended by the contractor for the project Patrick Gardiner from Mountbellew.

Minister Canney had been critical for the delay in approving the new school for Cahergal but he welcomed the fact that it was now proceeding.

“The preferred contractor has been selected and construction on the site is to begin immediately. This is great news for the Principal, Sally Flynn, the staff, Board of Management, pupils and parents. The school will be completed and ready for use in September 2017.

“The community have fought hard over a long number of years and finally their persistence has paid off. It is vital that we provide modern schools in order to give pupils the optimum start in their education,” Minister Canney added.

Pupils are still using the original desks from the ‘fifties at Cahergal School despite countless promises that a new facility would be provided. Credit has been paid to the principal and staff at the school for delivering a high standard of education in very difficult conditions.

It is regarded as one of the best primary schools in North Galway but it is lacking proper facilities. Pupils are still using facilities that were provided back in the 1950s.

“There is an 18-year campaign with many unfulfilled political promises by successive governments but at least we have some progress now. But it’s not before time,” Minister Canney added.

Back in October last year Chairperson Ronan Stephens, Principal Sally Flynn, parent representative Karen Berrymet with the then Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan who assured them that they were in a strong position to be included in the following building programme.

The following month confirmation was received that they were included. In March it was put out to tender and contracts were signed in June.