Mayo Educate Together school's issues raised in Dáil

A Castlebar national school is in dire need of a proper building for their educational needs, Deputy Alan Dillon has told Dáil Éireann.

During Dáil questions with An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, this week, Deputy Dillon emphasised that Castlebar Educate Together School urgently needs a more suitable building to cater to their educational requirements and voiced the rising demand for education that supports equality.

Deputy Dillon noted: “There's an application waiting in the minister’s department. Castlebar Educate Together NS is a multi-denominational institution with a team of four teachers, a special needs assistant, and nearly 120 students enrolled.

"The school has been functioning for the past seven years, starting in 2016 with only 12 students.

"A primary concern for the school is the lack of a proper playground or playing amenities. Currently, they have to make do with a car park and public area, posing significant safety risks.

"The school is also constrained by operating from two separate campuses with limited classroom space and facilities, presenting serious challenges for its future.”

Deputy Dillon urged An Taoiseach and the Department of Education to collaborate with the school's principal, Sarah Calvey, and staff to explore alternative options and secure appropriate accommodation.

Responding, An Taoiseach expressed his admiration for the Educate Together model and its nationwide growth in recent years. He said, "I am not familiar to the details regarding Castlebar, but will certainly speak to the Minister for Education about is personally.”