Drive to replace primary school gathers pace

A CAMPAIGN is being stepped up to replace a Kerry primary school building which, according to the INTO union, is in serious breach of minimum legal requirements.

Teachers and parents have, for the past 10 years, been looking for a new school to replace St Patrick’s NS, at Blennerville, Tralee. The school was built in 1932 and the children are currently accommodated in four standard classrooms and four pre-fabs.

School principal Michael O’Connor claimed Blennerville’s case had been overlooked at various stages in the past decade.

“Unless we get a new school quickly, we will continue to be treated as second class citizens.

“We now want to progress to the next stage, which is design and planning,” he said.

A 2.5 acre site at the rear of the school has been purchased by the Department of Education for the long-awaited school.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin has acknowledged the need for a new school and said: “The building project required to deliver the new school will be progressed in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-2010.”

Because of new housing developments at Blennerville, on the western outskirts of Tralee, pupil numbers have grown by about 50% in the past three years and would continue to grow, according to Mr O’Connor.

“Town planners in Tralee view a new school here as critical to a new town plan because of the needs future development will create.”

Nearly half of the 141 pupils on the rolls are in pre-fabs and the school expects to have 156 pupils next September.

An INTO report has highlighted problems with overcrowding, dampness, heating and leaks to the roof and ceilings.

Parents’ Council member Neil Harkin said they would be increasing political pressure in the run-up to the election.

“We were promised a new school before the last election, but are still waiting for it. We will march to the Dail, if necessary, to highlight our case,” he added.