Stranded in a Temporary School: Dún Laoghaire's Nine-Year Wait for a Permanent Building
The parents of students at Dún Laoghaire Educate Together National School have been enduring a frustrating nine-year journey, caught in a state of limbo as they await the construction of a permanent school building. This primary school, which opened in 2017 in a temporary setting on Monkstown Grove, was meant to be a temporary solution until a permanent site could be found by the Department of Education.
However, the reality for the students and their families has been far from ideal. With no permanent structure in sight, the school's activities are conducted in prefab rooms, and physical education classes are held in a nearby public park, which requires constant monitoring by staff to ensure it is safe for use. The park is checked for broken glass, litter, and even dog waste, creating an environment that is far from ideal for learning.
On Wednesday morning, a group of approximately 150 students, staff, and parents will take a stand by marching to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council offices. They will deliver handwritten letters to local representatives, expressing their desire for a permanent school building with essential amenities like a physical education hall and quiet spaces. The initiative was led by sixth-graders, who have spent their entire primary education in these temporary conditions.
Roxanne MacHale, a nine-year-old student, and her seven-year-old sister, Stella, wrote in their letters, "All we want for Christmas is a new school building with a PE hall and quiet spaces." Their father, David MacHale, emphasizes the modest request of the students, seeking a start date and a commitment to keep the project on track.
The school's planning permission was finally secured in 2023 for a permanent building with 16 classrooms on the site of the former Dún Laoghaire Fire Station. A design team was appointed later that year, but Mr. MacHale reports that there has been no progress since. He expresses frustration, stating, "There’s no dates, there’s nothing. We’re just stuck in limbo."
Gillian Hunt, a member of the parent-teacher association, whose child graduated last June after spending eight years in temporary accommodation, shares the community's sentiment. She emphasizes the need for a confirmed start date, a tender process, and a commitment to avoid further delays. Despite the challenges, the school's principal, Anne Marie Lillis, acknowledges the dedication of the teachers, who continue to provide a high-quality education despite the lack of a permanent home.
The Department of Education provides an update, stating that the architectural design process is nearly complete, and the project will soon move to the tender stage. However, they acknowledge the variability in project timelines, which can be influenced by factors such as size and complexity.
As the students and parents continue to wait, their hope remains for a permanent school building that will provide a safe and conducive learning environment. The nine-year journey has been a testament to their resilience, and they eagerly anticipate the day when their school can truly call itself a home.
