Carillion saga set to end for Coláiste Ráithín as students start school term in new school-Brady

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has expressed delight in the news that after a delay of more than 10 months, the pupils of Coláiste Ráithín will finally get to enter their new school next Tuesday 28 August, when the new school term starts.

Speaking after receiving confirmation that Coláiste Ráithín will finally get to move into their new school next Tuesday Teachta Brady said “This is fantastic news for the pupils, teachers and everyone associated with the school. This not only brings an end to the terrible saga which arose with the collapse of Carillion in January, it also brings an end to the 20 year campaign by Coláiste Ráithín for a new school.

“The handover of the new Coláiste Ráithín and Ravenswell schools on the Old Bray golf course was due to take place last October. This was pushed back to December and then we seen the collapse of Carillion in January and the subsequent collapse of Sammon. This led to 8 months of uncertainty and frustration.”

“I’m further informed that it is hoped that Ravenswell will move into their new school later in September.”

“Whilst this will hopefully bring an end to this saga for the schools, it doesn’t end it for the many subcontractors that remain to be paid. They have done nothing wrong in this saga, but face possible ruin because of the collapse of Sammon. The new contractor, Woodvale needs to engage with the subcontractors. We can’t have a situation where we have these new schools in use by the State, while the builders who built them face bankruptcy or liquidation.”

Brady continued “It has also been confirmed to me that an interim facilities management appointment is now in place for the schools and that discussions are still ongoing regarding the long term facilities management arrangements.”

“Full credit has to go to all involved in the parents association of Coláiste Ráithín, the teachers, staff, students and parents who ensured the pressure was kept on the government and all responsible for ending this disgraceful saga. Particular credit has to go to former school principle Gearóid O’Ciaran. Gearóid led the campaign for a new school for 20 years and ensured pressure was kept on when the plans were derailed in January.”

Teachta Brady concluded “There however needs to be a message in this saga for the government and their use of Public Private Partnerships. There needs to be an immediate review by government of the effectiveness of PPP’s for capital projects such as schools.”