Senators Ask Government to Keep Promise on School’s Facilities

News Release 9th February, 2009

Senators Rónán Mullen and Fidelma Healy Eames have called on the government to keep its promise to fund a much needed gym for Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew, Co. Galway. The Senators, both past pupils of the college, pointed out that the school was promised funding in 2000.

Senator Healy Eames noted that the school has waited for a gym for 41 years. She added, ‘Since then, the school has endeavoured consistently to acquire a PE hall and a major extension to the school to include a PE hall, as well as refurbishment of the existing building, was agreed with the Department of Education and Science in 2000.’ The Senator underlined how stark the situation is for the school, ‘At present, it is paying €20,000 per year in rent. It has been waiting for 41 years for proper PE facilities and while all the school's teachers have been trained in the junior certificate physical education programme, they have no place in which to implement it.’

Senator Mullen argued the government was in danger of failing to keep its word, ‘The Government has stated that notwithstanding the economic downturn, there is to be no let-up in terms of the investment at capital level in education because we are educating people for the future for the sake of our society.’ He added that ‘An unaccountable delay is frustrating the ability of an excellent school and committed staff in a supportive community to do what they do well, that is, provide top quality education in east County Galway.’

Both Senators drew attention to how important physical education is to the welfare and development of young students.