Pupils to take new school campaign to Stormont

Education Minister Caitriona Ruane was due to deliver a statement in the Assembly this week on plans for new schools with poor accommodation which are under threat because of a shortage of capital funding.

She was held up but in a statement apologising for the delay, the Minister said she wanted work on 10 new school builds to begin before the end of the financial year but could only do this if she receives extra money.

This has led to fears at Scoil na Fuiseoige in Twinbrook, which has been waiting for 13 years for a new building and currently relies on mobile classrooms for its 116 pupils.

It's a bitter blow to the school which received planning permission for a new building at the site on the Summerhill Road earlier this year.

A meeting is scheduled for Thursday night between the Chair of the Board of Governors, Principal Eilis Ui Nill, staff and parents to give an update on the situation.

Ms Ui Nill said: "Our school is a school of excellence in every conceivable way despite the awful conditions of the mobile buildings we have been in since 1997.

"This is a remarkable credit to all our staff, parents and especially our pupils given the appalling conditions of the current prefab school.

"Our children are first class and they deserve a school building that is first class.

"To say that we have a demonstrated need for a new build is a massive understatement. The current building is literally collapsing around us.

"It is a health and safety hazard. The portable cabins are not fit for purpose. No one should have to endure what we have had to put up with for the past decade and more. It is not acceptable."

She said the school body will be travelling to Stormont on Monday in a celebration of Scoil na Fuiseoige, bringing their trophies and having the choir sing to deliver the message that they need their new building.

Local Sinn Fein MLA Paul Butler said he will be seeking a meeting with the Education Minister next week, if as expected, she delivers the news the new builds will not go ahead.

Mr Butler stated: "We are disappointed with what Caitriona Ruane is expected to announce. She never made a statement to the Assembly, but I'm anticipating what she is going to say is that schools in need will not be getting new buildings and Scoil na Fuiseoige is going to be one of these schools.

"If the new building doesn't go ahead, I am going to ask for remedial steps to repair facilities to improve conditions for the children.

"The Minister will be putting in a bid to the Finance Minister for extra money for the new builds, but given what we have heard in the budget and the financial pressures that will be placed on the Assembly, it is difficult to see money coming."

A spokesperson on behalf of the Department of Education stated: "The Minister is due to make a statement in the Assembly next week, it would not be appropriate to comment further until that time."