Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay North, Denise Mitchell, has called for immediate action from the Education Minister to ensure Gaelchólaiste Reachrann in Donaghmede has a permanent school after 24 years of conducting classes in prefabs.

Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Teachta Mitchell said:

“Despite all the academic and extra-curricular success of Gaelchólaiste Reachrann, the students and staff are still stuck in substandard conditions in prefabs on the grounds of another school.

“There is no permanent school building, no school hall for fundraisers, plays or concerts, no library, no canteen and no PE space.”

Deputy Mitchell noted that, when choosing a school for her own eldest daughter, she decided on Gaelchólaiste Reachrann, and at that time a new, permanent school build was expected shortly:

“My daughter is now heading into her second year of university, she went through her whole secondary school experience in prefabs, and the students in Gaelchólaiste Reachrann are still sitting in prefabs. Now Minister, how many more generations of students are going to have to experience this?”

Noting the protest and walkout by students at the school in November, Deputy Mitchell said:

“They and their parents are furious that this has not been addressed. They feel they have been completely forgotten about by government.”

Deputy Mitchell also revealed costs to the Department of Education associated with the lack of a permanent school building:

“Since 2013 your Department has had to spend almost €400,000 to buy more prefabs for the school. Money that should have been spent on a permanent building.”

Deputy Mitchell asked the new Education Minister to visit the school and see the situation for herself, and added:

“These students deserve a permanent school. I want a commitment that these students and staff will have a new, permanent school and will not be left waiting like they have been for the last 24 years.”