Why no consultation on St Patrick's sale?

NAAS, 16 September, 2001: OPINION by Donal Corcoran. It would seem that once a political process has started, that  it is unstoppable. It seems that certain politicians are hell bent on selling off St Patrick's Community College for land speculation with little or no consultation with the Partners in Education - the teachers, the parents, the students. I would challenge these  same politicians to publicly explain their actions to the education partners.  Answers should be given to the following questions:
 
(1) Why is there a perceived need to sell off the newest Post Primary School in Naas?
 
(2) Facilities do have to be immediately improved for the students but why can that not be done on a perfectly  adequate site?
 
(3) Why have they a preference  for a site on the Sallins Road away from most of the school's natural catchment area which would deprive  the Naas  community of green belt land and at the same time also deprive the community of playing fields and community facilities presently enjoyed at the present site?
 
(4) Why are they prepared to accept the valuation put on this site by the owner, even though the Valuation Office puts a much lower valuation on it?
 
(5) They should explain to the Education Partners how their deliberations have set back the development of St. Patrick's Community College.
 
(6) They should explain, from studies undertaken by them, the effect of removing all educational  facilities from this area of the town.
 
It is not before time that all politicians should talk, not only to land speculators, but to the community that they are supposed to be serving.
 
Donal Corcoran

ED: Please note that views expressed under 'OPINION' on KNN are those of the writer concerned, and do not necessarily reflect the views of KNN or its proprietors. This facility is provided in the interests of free speech and public information and may be availed of either to make a point or respond to one. KNN reserves the right to edit any material submitted.