CONFIRMATION that the Rosses Community School in Dungloe is to finally get a long-awaited extension has been welcomed in the local area.

 

Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher Leas Cheann Comhairle said the Department of Education has, this week, committed to providing the much needed extension at Rosses Community School.

 

He said the decision to permit the Donegal ETB on behalf of the school management to seek a design team and prepare the necessary specification documents is a welcome next step in the urgently required project for West Donegal.

 

“I have been lobbying the Department since my election to Dáil Éireann in February 2016, unfortunately it has taken until today to get the project move to the next step. It is expected that a design team will be sought immediately and that designs will be prepared for the school extension and submitted to Donegal County Council for planning permission.” 

 

The extension approved for design will consist of Special Education Needs base (SEN unit) , it will also consist of an outdoor sensory garden, secure hard and soft play area. Other ancillary works are to be incorporated into the design such as an activity room, multi sensory room along with staff facilities.

 

Deputy Gallagher added: “The real important work starts once a design team is in place, as it will be critical to maintain a close time constraint on this project until planning is obtained otherwise we run the risk of further unacceptable time delays by the Department of Education.”

 

He complimented the School management and staff for their Trojan work in progressing this much needed project for West Donegal and concluded: “In the meantime, I will maintain the pressure on the Department in order that no other delays occur, but at present it would be realistic to believe the project would be complete 2020.”