Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has expressed deep concern over plans to scrap much needed sports facilities on the campus of Belmayne Educate Together.
Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s Education spokesperson, said:
“The Department of Education’s unilateral decision-making process has once again highlighted significant shortcomings in strategic planning, leading to unnecessary tensions between communities.
“The school is being prevented from developing sports grounds for use by students – and local community groups – because the Department wants to use existing prefabs for a new special school on the campus.
“However, Belmayne already has two special education classes and the school is keen to create two more in a wing of their campus they’ve yet to move students into.
“This means that students who desperately need a place in a special class can be accommodated – in tandem with children’s recreational and sporting needs also being met.
“Ending plans for essential sports facilities would leave all students – and the wider community – without access to recreational activities which are crucial to their development.
“The situation in Belmayne is a glaring example of the Department’s persistent lack of foresight – by failing to engage in comprehensive planning and community consultation, it has inadvertently pitted local communities against each other.
“This incident is not isolated – another recent example is the decision to transform Synge Street CBS into a co-educational Gaelcholáiste by September 2026.
“This move was made without adequate consultation with the school’s staff, students, and parents, leading to confusion and concern among the school community.
“These examples illustrate a pattern of reactive rather than proactive measures, resulting in strained resources and community discord.
“The Social Democrats are calling for an immediate review of the Department of Education’s planning and consultation processes – it is imperative that future projects are approached with strategic foresight, genuine community engagement, and a commitment to equitable resource distribution.
“Special education classes are desperately needed in every community, but so are recreational spaces which should be accessible for all children – one should not be an excuse to forgo the other.”
March 14th, 2024