It has been revealed to Deputy Joan Burton, T.D. in a written reply from the Minister for Education, Batt O’ Keefe, that science laboratories at Coolmine Community School in Dublin 15 will not now receive badly-needed renovation this year.
Nor could the Minister guarantee that the renovations would happen in 2009.

Furthermore, the Minister would not confirm if or when major refurbishments of the whole school building will take place. The Minister blamed financial concerns for not being able to offer any “indicative timeframe” for the progression or completion of the ambitious building project.

Deputy Burton commented, “Unfortunately this is just another illustration of the priorities of this government. Now that the economic chips are down, Minister O’ Keefe is showing his true colours, abandoning the valuable Summer Works Scheme for schools at the drop of a hat.”

“As if that weren’t bad enough, the students, teachers, and parents of Coolmine Community School are still in the dark over if or when they will get the major school refurbishment they have applied for and deserve.”

Deputy Burton continued, “It goes to show just how out of touch this government is – as we evolve into a knowledge economy, where our young people are increasingly selling their brain power in a global market, Minister O’ Keefe and this government are holding back students in Dublin 15 by denying them the science facilities that are so crucial in this day and age.”

Referring to a part of the Minister’s reply which mentioned previous projects completed under the Summer Works Scheme, Burton reacted, “It is simply not relevant how many projects have been completed under the scheme throughout the country since it began. What matters is that when the school year starts up again in September, this Minister will continue to deprive Coolmine students and teachers of the equipment they need for the 21st Century education they are entitled to, and upon which their future, and the Irish economy depends. Why should young people in Dublin 15 suffer like this?”

“Now we have the same Minister, at a time when our economy is at a crossroads, raising the spectre of college fees, a misguided proposal that would lead to disaster for students, parents, and the Irish economy. It’s simply not good enough”