A new building for Gaelscoil Donncha Rua in Shannon has moved a step closer to construction with confirmation that a design team is about to be appointed to start the architectural and planning process.

Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey was told by Education Minister Joe McHugh in the DĂĄil last week that a service level agreement has been issued to the Limerick and Clare Educational and Training Board (LCETB) who are responsible for delivery of the project.

“Once this agreement is finalised, the board can proceed with the appointment of the design team who will then start on the architectural and planning process,” Deputy Carey explained.

“I have been pressing the Department to ensure there are no delays in allowing the project proceed to the construction phase as quickly as possible.

“Gaelscoil Donncha Rua is one of the most successful schools of its kind in the country, despite the fact that classes have been held in prefabs for the past 34 years and the board of management have been paying more than €84,000 a year on rent.

“It is the only Gaelscoil within a 15 mile radius, serving children from the local area as well as Sixmilebridge, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Quin. It is also the only primary school in Shannon that has an ASD unit catering for 12 children with autism,” Deputy Carey added.

PHOTO SHOWS: Príomhoide Gaelscoil Donncha Rua Aisling Ní Airtnèada with Deputy Joe Carey, former Education Minister Richard Bruton at the school site last year.