State funds to end school’s ‘Dickensian’ conditions

Michael O’Donnell had begun to despair of it ever happening, but yesterday the principal of Glenville National School in north Cork was breathing a sigh of relief that, after years of waiting, tortuous planning applications and frustrating delays, the Government had finally agreed to fund the building of a new school.

He could hardly resist an “it’s about time” comment when told the news that his school is to be included in the national stimulus programme for school projects but his over-riding reaction was one of delight.

“We have spent the last six years fluting around with the Department of Education and it has been hugely frustrating, but this is fantastic news.”