"Children are having breathing issues" due to conditions at Leitrim school

Cllr Felim Gurn and Cllr Padraig Fallon both asked about St Aidan's National School in Ballaghameehan, Rossinver noting that an application for emergency funding for external doors and windows was unsuccessful in November 2023 and also, the "playground is not fit for purpose and these issues need to be addressed immediately. 

Cllr Gurn said that parents have said their "children are getting sick because of the dampness and the conditions in the school". 

He continued: "Works to schools should be done when schools are closed and not during the school year."

He added that "parents and teachers were frustrated that their application was refused and there is no timeline on getting this work done."

Cllr Fallon said that Deputy Martin Kenny raised the issue in the Dáil and noted that the "windows and floors need replacing; there's condensation accumulating on the floors and they are slippery and dangerous. There's mould in the room and high energy bills due to the windows and doors." 

He said that "it's a safety issue and there are young children going to the school and neither they or the staff should be expected to continue to work in an environment that is a possible health hazard; some parents are saying their children's breathing is being impacted and there are chest issues."

He said that an emergency works grant "must be allocated" and stressed "that we need to see an allocation made and the works undertaken; this school needs communication from the minister in the near future to this effect."

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Justin Warnock said the required works will be "a substantial job but if they got the commitment and could break it down over two or three years", this could work as an alternative. 

He stated: "I was talking to the principal and Deputy Marc McSharry and the actual problem is you'd have to close the school, if they had to go at it all at the one time so they'll probably have to stage it over two or three years."

Cllr Mary Bohan also supported the motion and said that Drumlease National School in Dromahair is "overcrowded and we have had parents from Manorhamilton contacting us regarding children with special needs coming in in September and there's no place for them."

Cllr Sean McDermott said that the work "has to be done" and said that parents in the area are "very concerned about it". 

Cllr Frank Dolan also supported the motion. 

Cllr Gurn commented: "In the last few months, it seems that schools are not able to get funding. St Clare's in Manorhamilton where an ASD unit is being looked at; parents have moved into the area and are now being told that they can't get the sensory room needed."

He said regarding childcare facilities, "I didn't realise how bad it has gotten and people are being told they have to wait three and four years in Manorhamilton and Dromahair."