'Workable solution' reached between Cork school and Department over proposal to split campus

A CORK primary school which had expressed alarm over proposals to split the school across two campuses in the academic year has announced that a “workable solution” has been reached with the Department of Education.

In February, the board of management of Owenabue Educate Together National School said that under the department’s plan, most classes would remain in the current accommodation in Herons Wood, while two classes would be in prefabricated classrooms on the site of Carrigaline Educate Together National School in Kilnagleary, on the opposite side of Carrigaline.

A number of concerns had been highlighted by the school, among them the logistical difficulties for parents commuting between the locations if they have multiple children attending the school, and a concern that classes on the second site would have “limited access to essential facilities”.

However, the school has now confirmed that a revised plan has been agreed upon.

“We are pleased to announce that, through collective efforts and community solidarity, a workable solution has been agreed upon,” a statement from the school read.

“While the new plan still involves a split-site arrangement, the proposal is now located entirely within Herons Wood, providing a more viable and convenient solution for our school community.”

It said that this solution is contingent upon obtaining planning permission and that its board of management is “diligently” working through the necessary processes.

“We acknowledge that challenges may arise during this phase, and we appreciate the continued and understanding of our community,” the statement continued.

The school said it wished to extend its “heartfelt gratitude” to local representatives and the general Carrigaline community for their in campaigning for a revised accommodation plan.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Principal Trina Golden described the development as “positive progress”.

“We have agreement in principle for an alternative solution that keeps us at least in split sites in the same housing estate,” she stated.

“Lots of challenges and a long road ahead in the project, but positive progress.”

'Not ideal situation for any school community'

Owenabue Educate Together National School, which opened in September 2020, is currently in temporary accommodation in Herons Wood.

The school is awaiting the development of a permanent school earmarked for development at a site in nearby Janeville, Carrigaline.

In the statement, the school said it understands that a split-site scenario is “not the ideal situation for any school community”, but said that the revised plan “represents a significant improvement over the previous proposal”.

“There are significant challenges ahead, particularly financial, in funding and maintaining two sites,” Owenabue Educate Together National School stated.

“We are engaging with the Department of Education for further information on how they will the financial challenges.”

'A huge relief'

Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, who had previously raised the matter in the Dáil, welcomed the revised plan, describing it as “a huge relief”.

He said “great credit” is due to Ms Golden, her team, the board of management and everyone else who advocated for a revised plan.

“The initial proposal was totally unworkable and failed to take of the weight of traffic in such a busy town,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire.

“It would have caused huge disruption to staff, parents, and children and I’m glad the department have recognised this.

“I hope this now progresses successfully through planning, and that the department is forthcoming with the funding required.

“Following that focus can then turn to ensuring the permanent solution is up to standard and that funding is secured for this,” he said.

Labour Party candidate for the Carrigaline municipal district, John O’Regan, who was also among those who implored the department to reassess its original proposal, said he was “delighted” that a “workable solution” has been found.

“Obviously, it’s not ideal in of they’re still going to be on two separate campuses, but it’s much, much closer together than the original plan that was mooted by the department,” he said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said it continues to engage with Educate Together as patron of Owenabue Educate Together National School regarding the school’s interim accommodation requirements, pending completion of its planned new school building.

“Work is ongoing to advance an identified solution, including securing the required statutory approvals, and the department continues to engage with the school’s patron to the necessary operational arrangements,” it stated.