INTO criticises slow pace of building projects in schools

THE IRISH National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) has called for changes in the school building programme and has claimed that the current process is overly bureaucratic.

It has cited figures showing that nine schools in Co Offaly have been waiting for a decade or more for their applications to be approved.

The union said the application and assessment process seemed to be designed to keep schools on a waiting list for as long as possible.

Among the Offaly primary schools that have applied for major building works are: Naomh Eoin, An Rath (original application made in March 2000); Osmann, Birr (November 1999); Charleville (January 1998); Clonbullogue (September 2001); Scoil Mhuire, Tullamore (May 1999); Mhuire Cluain na nGamhain (June 2000); Proinsias Naofa, Clara (June 2001); Mhuire Cúl An Airne (March 2001) and Croinchoill, Birr (September 1999).

Incoming general secretary of the INTO, Sheila Nunan, said it was not right that schools had to wait a decade for essential building work. “Children spend eight years at most in a primary school. It is wrong that children are forced to endure cramped and unsuitable accommodation.”

She said more must be done to devolve the process to school boards so that projects can be brought to completion sooner.

There are more than 1,100 applications from schools for major capital works. In 2009, 14 new schools were built and four refurbishments carried out at primary level.

Ms Nunan said that at this rate, some of the current generation of pupils would be pensioners before all projects were completed.