Local disability school facility is not fit-for its purpose
By Maurice Garvey
A DISABILITY school in Clondalkin are currently working in a facility that is “not-fit-for purpose.”
Scoil Mochua on Old Nangor Road, have the support of South Dublin County Council, to take ownership of council owned lands beside the school, which would allow for a “dedicated centre of excellence.”
The non-denominational/co-ed school cater for children with disabilities from the age of three to 18 years, and are under the patronage of the Central Remedial Clinic.
A spokesperson for CRC said they supported the school consulting directly with the Department of Education to receive approval to the Department’s school list – which was approved in November 2015.
CRC said: “The current school building at Scoil Mochua is not-fit-for purpose to support the needs of children with disabilities and their families. Over the last two years the CRC have invested heavily in improving the existing infrastructure within the current limitations of the building.”
Following approval to the schools list, the school approached the council regarding a strip of land which boundaries the existing school building and lands.
“This land, if shared, would allow for the development of a dedicated centre of excellence,” said the CRC.
The CRC say proposals include enhanced CRC supports and a “state-of-the-art facility catering specifically for the needs and requirements of children with disabilities and their families.”
At a recent Clondalkin ACM, Labour Councillor Breeda Bonner, a principal at St Bernadette’s NS, asked the committee to recommend the disposal of council owned land to Scoil Mochua.
In response, the council said they are committed to supporting the school in their proposed plans.
A SDCC spokesperson said: “Any request for disposal of council owned lands at the location will be examined and considered in tandem with Scoil Mochua development proposals.
“It is the council’s understanding that Scoil Mochua are in the course of reviewing their proposals for further development which will be subject to a future planning application.
“The formal disposal of council owned lands is subject to the approval of the elected members in accordance with the Section 183 process.”
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