A decision is expected to be made soon that would speed up the much needed redevelopment of St Anne’s Community College in Killaloe, according to Clare TD Timmy Dooley.
Deputy Dooley made the comments after receiving a parliamentary reply from the Minister for Education which outlined the current state of play with regard to the construction project at the school.
“I am led to believe that the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, which has been tasked with delivering this project, have now completed their report, and it has been sent to the Department of Education for a final decision. At present, this report is being reviewed by officials in the Minister’s office and in the forward planning unit of the Department.
“The next step is the awarding of the tender to the successful bidder, and then construction can commence.
“This will be the fourth extension of the college since its establishment in 1987, and one that is urgently needed to deal with the increase in numbers, and to provide better facilities for our students.
“I am calling on the Minister to announce the successful bidder as quickly as possible to allow preparatory works commence as quickly as possible,” concluded Dooley.
In a written reply to the parlimentary question, Education Minister Richard Bruton said, “The project to which the deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB). I understand that tenders for the project were recently received and a tender report is now being prepared by LCETB’s Design Team. When the Tender Report has been received and evaluated my Department will be in direct contact with LCETB with regard to further progression of the project.”
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.