Cost comparison underway for Clara school development project

The Department of Education is currently reviewing a detailed cost comparison for the development of a new school building for Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa in Clara, according to local Fine Gael Deputy, John Clendennen.

The Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), which has responsibility for delivering the project, has submitted a comprehensive cost comparison report to the Department which examines the financial implications of developing the school on the existing site at Frederick Street versus the proposed new site, on the grounds of the former parochial house, “Drayton Villa” in Clara.

The project remains at Stage 2A of the design process, with the Design Team continuing its technical work after which it will be submitted to the Department for review and approval. Following approval, the next stage of the process will involve obtaining statutory planning permissions.

“The Department’s review of the cost comparison between the existing and proposed new sites is a welcome and necessary step,” said Deputy Clendennen, who also acknowledged the "equally understandable concern" among parents and the wider community as this process continues to drag on.

This project has been talked about for far too long and we need to see a clear decision from the Department sooner rather than later so that the school can finally move forward to the next stage. The students and staff of Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa deserve certainty and progress” concluded Deputy Clendennen.