TDs supportive of Meánscoil's position on site

Wexford TDs, Brendan Howlin and Verona Murphy, have outlined their support for the position of Meánscoil Gharman's position on the proposed new site for the school complex.

Speaking to this newspaper Deputy Murphy said it was 'unfortunately late in the day' when the decision was made about the site and when she was contacted by the school about the issue.

However, she expressed reservations about the suitability of the proposed site, especially in terms of traffic.

'It would involve a lot of traffic moving into one area, where there is already a lot of traffic,' she said.

Commenting that the new primary health centre and the site for the new Enniscorthy Fire Station, are also located in the same area, Deputy Murphy said a detailed traffic management plan would have to be implemented for the safety of everyone in the area.

After being contacted by the school, Deputy Murphy spoke to a number of people in the area and she said the general consensus was that the proposed site is not ideal and that people would prefer for the school to remain where it is in terms of its general location.

'It will put extra time on people and could cause traffic congestion,' said Deputy Murphy.

She said also said that from discussions she had as much as half-an-hour could be added to the journey time to get some students to the school.

'It would appear that the other side of the town would be far more appropriate,' she said, before adding that it appears there was no consideration given to the general and current catchment area of the school.

With regard to whether or not there is a danger of knock-on repercussions in the event the school refuses to take up the proposed site Deputy Murphy said: 'There is a danger because it takes so long to get a project to the level this is at that it could be put on the back burner and there are so many other shovel-ready sites ready to go.'

While she understands the school's position, Deputy Murphy said any development on the proposed site for the school would have to incorporate a proper traffic management plan including proper consultation with all stakeholders involved.

She said the new site may have been identified because of the Government's plans to centralise services.

'However, that does not mean that consideration should not be given to those who are inconvenienced,' she said.

Deputy Howlin visited the site a year ago and he said he couldn't understand why the department hadn't opted for 'a better site'.

He said the school is now in a dilemma because while a new facility is needed the chosen site is not ideal.

'I think it's been a missed opportunity by the department,' he said.

He said that usually school catchments are considered when school sites are being looked at but that doesn't appear to have been done in this case.

He said centralisation of services was not likely a factor in the decision and said: 'I wouldn't see much symmetry between the school and the other projects that will be located in the area.'

Deputy Howlin said the school is 'in a bit of a bind' over the matter and acknowledged that a new school is badly needed but the chosen site does not appear suitable.

'The school should not be put in the situation it now finds itself in,' he said.

'A couple of years ago I would have had a bit more leverage to present the case to the department but it seems now that the department calls the shots,' he added.

When asked if the position being adopted by the school could have an adverse effect on decisions regarding potential school sites in Wexford going forward, Deputy Howlin said it shouldn't matter.

He said the department examines funding allocations on an annual basis and the discussions currently taking place between Meánscoil Gharman and the department should not have any adverse effect on other prospective projects going forward.

However, he said he is concerned for the school itself and reiterated his view that it should not have been put in the situation it now finds itself in.

'A new school is needed, the proposed site is not ideal and I do feel it's been somewhat of a missed opportunity,' he said.

Enniscorthy Guardian