50 Gaelscoil pupils to stage musical protest outside Dáil

A SCHOOL built over 30 years ago is still using pre-fabs which creates challenges right throughout the year.

Gaelscoil na Camóige in Clondalkin, established in 1993, caters for 236 pupils in nine small classrooms, along with teachers, special needs assistants and ancillary staff.

“It is very difficult to heat the rooms during the winter and it gets really hot in the summer,” said Principal Aoife Ní Raghallaigh.

“We have an outdated heating system and have a huge lack of space for everything. Classes are cramped. There’s no area to display work, we don’t have space for active teaching and learning. Every week we go to PE, and have to traipse across the road to use another facility. Teachers and helpers have to assist crossing the road and carrying equipment.”

The situation is a frustrating one not just for the school but the wider community.

For years now, there has been a plan in place for new gaelscoil facilities in Clondalkin, but this is reliant on government funding.

It would see the construction of buildings for primary schools Gaelscoil na Camoige and Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain located within the grounds of Coláiste Chilliain on the Old Nangor Road.

“That’s exactly what we are fighting for,” acknowledged Ms Ní Raghallaigh.

“We are still waiting for the go ahead but we are working with the other schools all the time. Round Tower GAA are also interested because there would be a facility for an all-weather pitch and it is a struggle to get venues. Obviously out of the three schools, we are the only one in pre- fabs.”

Clondalkin was also one of the first areas in the country to be designated a Líonraí Gaeilge by the State, where the Irish language is strong enough to justify the designation outside of traditional Gaeltacht areas.

An announcement last week by Education Minister Norma Foley that €800 million is set aside for school building projects has raised hope once again.

“We want to make sure that we are top of the list. Wouldn’t it be so disappointing for the children if we were forgotten about again,” said Principal Ní Raghallaigh.

“There are teachers here in the school, who are past pupils, who were taught in these prefabs, and now they are teaching in them. We never thought it would take this long.”

In an effort to help their cause, more than 50 pupils from Gaelscoil na Camóige will stage a musical protest at the gates of Dail Eireann on Thursday April 18, singing a re-worded version of ‘Stand By Me’ written by a sixth class student.

Despite the current conditions, Principal Ní Raghallaigh said they have managed to maintain a “fabulous, thriving school, providing a high standard of education through the medium of Irish.”

“They are the happiest children. We still make it so the children leave with a high standard of education but the conditions make it very difficult for staff.”

The school hope that their song will raise awareness of their urgent need for a modern school building.