Minister Foley told of major challenges meeting demand for spaces in Wexford primary schools

Minister Foley visited the area as a guest of Senator Malcolm Byrne on Thursday, May 2 and addressed the rapid growth in population in the Gorey area which means that there will be a continuing demand for primary school places in the future. She also discussed the proposed extension and plans for expansion with school principal, Matt Bater.

"Gorey Central School has been expanding and so the planned much needed extension cannot happen quickly enough. While all the home building in our community is very welcome, that means there is a strong demand for other services, including school places.”

"Minister Foley recognised that when she sanctioned the building of Gorey Educate Together Secondary School for second level places and is also very aware of the pressures on local primary schools,” said Senator Byrne.

The Education Minister also visited Ballyellis National School on the day where she was shown the newly completed extension by principal, Enda Morris. This was the first ever visit by a Minister to the school. The Minister praised Mr Morris, the staff, the Board of Management and the construction team for their work on the additional facilities which were much needed for the requirements of a growing school.

Minister Foley then called in to nearby Monaseed and Craanford National Schools. In each of the four schools, Minister Foley spoke with staff and students and the pupils put the Minister through her paces with a series of questions about her work.

She also met with local Councillors Pip Breen, Andrew Bolger, Donal Kenny and Joe Sullivan, who shared their concerns about the need to ensure there are enough school places in the Gorey area going forward.