Wicklow parents have worries over school places eased as Taoiseach delivers on long-awaited school for Greystones

It comes after The Department of Education confirmed early last month that Greystones Community College would be the first school on a list – or bundle – of 10 school build projects that would be the first to progress to the construction stage, having gone out to tender last April.

“I can confirm that after months of work and campaigning, a letter of intent will issue to Greystones Community College tomorrow morning [Wednesday],” the Taoiseach said. “This will allow the contract to be awarded within the next two weeks.

“This means we are on the road to a new build for Greystones Community College. As Taoiseach and as a Wicklow TD I know what this news will mean to parents across the community,” he continued.

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“I will continue, as Taoiseach, to monitor every step to ensure that Greystones and areas in of huge demand receive the funding and drive they need to make sure we have enough school places for now and for the future. I will not give up until this new school building is open.

“I want to thank everybody in Greystones Community College, the principal, the ETB, the students and parents for their patience. I intend to continue to work tirelessly on this project but today is a major milestone, as Taoiseach I am so determined to deliver this project for people in Greystones,” he concluded.

Speaking last month on the pressing need for the new school build, and on the situation with regard to issues over the shortfall in school places in the area of Greystones generally, the Wicklow TD said the the Department of Education “wants to reassure all parents that it will ensure that school places will be available for all children for September 2024 and in to the future”.

“This is essential, we cannot be satisfied with simply resolving the shortages expected this September. We must have a long-term solution to school shortages in the area,” he added.

The permanent building project at Greystones Community College will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school with accommodation, including four classrooms for children with special educational needs.

Commenting on the announcement, Greystones Community College Principal Ruairi Farrell said he warmly welcomed the news on behalf of the whole school community.

“The school would like to acknowledge the excellent support of the Parent Leadership Team, Board of Management, Student Leadership Team, KWETB, local public representatives and the dedicated hard working school staff in getting to this point.

"This is a significant and long awaited milestone for our school community. However, we acknowledge there is still a journey to travel and the school community are fully committed to leaving no stone unturned in ensuring our amazing students have access to the permanent school building and facilities they deserve without further delay,” he said.

The Chairperson of Greystones Community College Board of Management Councillor Lourda Scott said she was “delighted that this next step has been taken in getting our permanent building”.

"It's a great relief for parents, staff and members of the Board of Management alike, all of whom have worked really hard in keeping this issue to the fore in the Department of Education. I'm confident that this momentum will keep going now and get this school built and occupied quickly,” she added.