Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
New school is a top priority for Ballinasloe and will be delivered – Senator Aisling Dolan
The community in Scoil an Chroí Naofa has waited 28 years for a new school, with Senator Dolan guaranteeing delivery in the next Dáil term
Fine Gael General Election Candidate for the Roscommon-Galway constituency, Senator Aisling Dolan, has pledged to deliver on her promise of a new national school for Ballinasloe, if she is elected to Dáil Éireann next week. For 28 years, the community in the East Galway town has been waiting for a new build on Scoil an Chroí Naofa, and Senator Dolan has said she will bring it over the line during the next Dáil term.
During her time as a Councillor and Senator, she has consistently fought for the new school. “I have raised this on multiple occasions and progress has certainly been made, but it has become increasingly clear that we need a TD in our town to drive major projects forward. The delivery of a new purpose-built Scoil an Chroí Naofa is absolutely vital and I will not rest until it happens,” said Senator Dolan.
Over the weekend, posters began to appear at the school and in Ballinasloe town, warning candidates that if they want votes in Ballinasloe, they must deliver the school. “I absolutely understand the frustration. Scoil An Chroí Naofa was created in 1996 – an amalgamation of St Grellan’s and the Girls’ School – with an understanding from the Department of Education of a new school build. We are now waiting over 28 years for a new school to cater for more than 300 children,” she continued.
“This is a shocking indictment of delays in the system and I want to change that and deliver on the much-needed projects for the town,” added Senator Dolan.
Following her first election as a Councillor for the Ballinasloe Municipal District Area in 2019, and throughout her time in the Seanad, Senator Dolan has consistently raised capacity issues for schools in the town. “My first commencement matter for Scoil An Chroí Naofa in 2021 led to follow-up meetings with the Department of Education and all stakeholders, together with Galway County Council, and a new impetus to drive this project forward. As a result, a new design plan was put in place, increasing the plan from 13 to 16 classrooms and planning permission has been approved for this,” she confirmed.
“The approved planning permission for a new 16-classroom school building includes three classrooms for pupils with special educational needs. The two-storey will have a new access road to the side beside the library, with safe new pick-up and drop-off at the back of the building. There will be a new playing pitch and play areas too,” explained Senator Dolan.
“My most recent update from the Seanad commencement on this matter, in July 2024, highlighted the recent timelines. On September 21st, 2023, planning permission was granted by Galway County Council. On March 22nd, 2024, a revised design was approved by the Department of Education. On April 26th, 2024, the council itself indicated approval of the design submission from the Department. The design team now has to move this project to the tender stage. From that tender stage comes the letter of acceptance, and the letter of intent from the Department of Education so that we get a budget to actually build this school,” she pointed out.
“The delays and obstacles in moving this project forward have been absolutely unacceptable but it seems that with each delay or failure to make a decision, the building section and Department have somehow pushed this project off the priority list. This cannot continue.
“I want a clear date outlined on the submission of tender documents from the Design team to the Minister for Education and I also want an urgent meeting with all stakeholders involved. This is a priority project for the town of Ballinasloe. The Department of Education is responsible for ensuring we have buildings fit for purpose to give our children the best start in life. The children of Ballinasloe deserve better,” she added.
