CELBRIDGE, 12 April 2002: by Brian Byrne. The contract for the new North Kildare School Project at Ballymakealy, Celbridge, has been signed by Education Minister Michael Woods TD.
The contract, for an 8-classroom school, is worth 4.13 million euros. The Department of Education is also pursuing the development of a special unit at the school to cater for children with special needs, particularly autism.
The signing has been welcomed by Cllr Paul Kelly of Leixlip, who is a Fianna Fail candidate in the coming General Election. "There has been an acute shortage of places for children with autism in the North Kildare area, and I am aware of many families who need such facilities," he said yesterday. "I am pleased that the Minister has decided to pursue such a facility here in Celbridge."
Meanwhile, Kildare County Council has granted planning permission for a substantial extension to Scoil na Mainistreach, the Boys National School in Celbridge.
The extension will provide six new classrooms, four resource rooms, a school library and computer room, a new staff room and office and administration accommodation.
New parking and 'drop off' facilities will also be provided.
Deputy Emmet Stagg is urging that the Department of Education make available funds to build the school as quickly as possible.
©2002knn