IPPN

A leading bishop has warned Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe that he may have to close down a primary school with over 650 pupils.

The Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh, met the minister to issue his warning after a damning Health Service Executive (HSE) report on the condition of the 36-year old Ennis National School building.

The report stated that the Co Clare school building was 'not fit for purpose' and that parents of pupils attending the school were "entitled to feel seriously concerned about the health and welfare of their children".

Last June, parents withdrew their children from the school -- which has 18 portakabins -- for a day, and marched in protest at the minister's failure to give the go-ahead for a new building.

Now, records released through the Freedom of Information Act show that Dr Walsh, along with other school representatives and Timmy Dooley TD (FF) met with Mr O'Keeffe in Leinster House at the end of last month to advance the case for a new school building.

According to departmental minutes, Dr Walsh said that "the recent health and safety inspection of the school had put him in a position where the school might have to be closed".

Dr Walsh is the school's patron and told Mr O'Keeffe that there was an urgent need for action in Ennis, pointing out that there has been no permanent school built in the town since 1984 and that the new school for Ennis NS had been planned for 10 years.

The HSE report states that "continued use of this premises as a school, in its present condition, is not recommended".

HSE District Environmental Officer, Brendan Mortell states: "Chronically leaking roof, internal manholes leaking sewer gas, cold, damp, smelly classrooms and corridors render [the school] not fit for purpose".

Donation

Mr Mortell said: "The possibility of moving the school to a suitable premises, on a temporary basis, should be considered, while awaiting for approval to build a new school at the location donated by Dr Walsh . . . in Ennis."

The diocese has lodged plans for a new school and a decision is expected early in the New Year -- dependent on Departmental funding.

- Gordon Deegan