NAAS, 7 May 2002: by Trish Whelan. Plans for the long awaited new primary school on the Sallins Road will shortly go out to tender and it is anticipated the school will be finally open by September 2003.
The news, announced by Mayor Willie Callaghan, was welcomed by local councillors at last week’s adjourned meeting of Naas Town Council.
The number of school going children in the town is expected to hit the 20,000 mark by 2012. With most local schools operating at full capacity, parents are now registering children at birth. Many older children are being turned away and have to attend schools outside the town.
Cllr Pat O’Reilly said he didn’t want to wait until ‘we have fire brigade action’ on education in Naas. Cllr Seamie Moore resurrected the notion of a local third level institute to cater for the increased population of the Naas/Newbridge/Kilcullen triangle. Cllrs Anthony Egan and Mary Glennon wanted a halt called to further development until Naas gets the facilities it needs. Cllr Pat McCarthy said people on the Sallins Road are annoyed over the delay with the school and are venting their anger on local councillors who pushed the 1999 Town Development Plan.
A motion by Cllr O'Reilly asking for a meeting with the Department of Education met with unanimous approval.
©2002knn
