O’Shea Welcomes Progress on Major Building Projects at Ballyhass National School

Local Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, John Paul O’Shea, has warmly welcomed confirmation of significant progress on two important school building projects at Ballyhass National School, Castlemagner, Mallow.

Deputy O’Shea received the update in response to a recent Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Education and Youth regarding the status and timeline of capital works at the school.

According to the reply, Ballyhass National School was approved to enter the Department of Education’s capital pipeline to deliver two Special Education Teaching (SET) rooms and one mainstream classroom. This project was devolved to the school authority for delivery and has now reached practical completion, representing a major milestone for the school community.

In addition, the school has also been approved for funding under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to construct a two-classroom Special Educational Needs (SEN) base along with one mainstream classroom. This second project has progressed through technical and cost reviews in line with Public Infrastructure Guidelines, with an addendum to the Stage 1a report currently awaited for further assessment by the Department.

Welcoming the update, Deputy O’Shea said “This is very positive news for Ballyhass National School, its pupils, parents and staff. The completion of the SET rooms and mainstream classroom is a significant achievement and will make a real difference in supporting students’ learning needs. I am also pleased to see continued progress on the SEN base project under the ASA Scheme. While further technical assessment is ongoing, the commitment to expanding and enhancing facilities for children with additional needs is very welcome.”

Deputy O’Shea acknowledged that school building projects can take time due to design, planning and statutory processes, but stressed the importance of maintaining momentum. “I will continue to engage closely with the Department of Education to ensure this next phase progresses as efficiently as possible. Investment in school infrastructure, particularly special education provision, is essential to meeting the needs of growing and evolving school communities across Cork North West.”

Deputy O’Shea concluded by commending the school management and Board of Management for their work in progressing both projects and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for continued investment in local schools.