100 signatures reached
To: Department of Education
Save our Gaelscoil’s green space
Give Gorey Hill School the greenfield, purpose build school they were promised and save Gaelscoil Moshíológ’s green space.
Why is this important?
Gorey Hill School was officially opened at the beginning of 2025 in the same grounds as Gaelscoil Moshíológ. This was supposed to be a temporary location until a new purpose built school is built on a green field site.
The department has now decided the current shared site to be the permanent home of Gorey Hill and plans to build modular buildings and car parks covering the majority of Gaelscoil’s green space. This is in direct contradiction to the department’s National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development which supports schools in creating sustainable learning environments and developing “healthy ecosystems, biodiversity and conservation - essential for humanity’s continued security”.
Our objection is based on:
The department has now decided the current shared site to be the permanent home of Gorey Hill and plans to build modular buildings and car parks covering the majority of Gaelscoil’s green space. This is in direct contradiction to the department’s National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development which supports schools in creating sustainable learning environments and developing “healthy ecosystems, biodiversity and conservation - essential for humanity’s continued security”.
Our objection is based on:
1. Massive impact of loss of greenspace to our students, especially those with special needs.
2. Firm belief that Gorey Hill deserves the green field, purpose build school they were promised.
3. Likely loss of Naíonra, breakfast and afterschool service which are now essential to the growth of the school and the families who utilise the service each day.
4. Unsustainable overcrowding of the of the area, putting pressure on utilities and causing health and safety issues regarding access and evacuation routes.
We wish to make it very clear that we are not opposed to Gorey Hill School or to the children and families who attend it. We fully recognise the importance of appropriate long-term provision for children with additional needs, and we acknowledge the dedication of their families. It is also important to note that the Gaelscoil itself supports children with additional needs, and this must be properly considered in all planning decisions.
However, we do not believe the current proposal represents a sustainable or workable solution for either school.
It appears the Department is forcing two minority educational experiences to squeeze onto a single site, which if it goes ahead, will become very built up. Both schools will lack green space and the opportunity to grow and expand.