New classrooms for travelling children
March 20 1996
A new school has been set up for the children of traveller families in Castlebar. The roof of their old school, located beside St. Patrick's National School in the town, caved in eighteen months ago.
Now the Western Health Board have teamed up with the People In Need Fund to provide a new facility for the pupils. And the new building, known as St. Catherine's Special School, has been officially opened.The construction work was carried out by members of the Castlebar Parish FAS Scheme. Ms Evelyn Walsh, one of those involved in successfully bringing the project to fruition, said the pre-school facility was important in helping the children to settle into primary schools later and feedback from primary teachers has confirmed this. She said the idea of the school was to help the children contribute to the decisions and opportunities that would enhance their own lifestyles.
"There is still a considerable gap between the settled and travelling communities in the area and every step should be taken to bridge the divide. "Better mutual understanding and respect between the two communities are badly needed," she said.
St Catherine's was opened by Mr. Frank Murray, senior executive officer, Western Health Board. It was blessed by Fr Paddy Gilligan, C.C., Castlebar. Special tribute was paid to Josephine Kilcoyne who works with the children and to the Department of Education and the Western Health Board.
The Mayo Travellers' Support Group stated that it was very happy with the
halting site facilities and urged all local authorities in the county to
develop similar sites.
Connaught Telegraph - News - Mar 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sports - Mar 1996
