Curraghmore school planning decision due on monday

The long wait for construction of a replacement school for Curraghmore, looks to be coming to an end.

The question of planning permission for the school is due to be decided when the Part 8 application comes before Westmeath’s county councillors this Monday.

If it gets the go-ahead, the aim is to have the school – which is to be built on the Ardmore Road - ready for September 2016, councillor Peter Burke told the Westmeath Examiner this morning, Friday.

However, when the application comes before councillors, there’s likely to be plenty of discussion before the decision is made.

A number of issues have been causing concern to residents of the Ardmore Road – primarily related to safety.

In advance of Monday’s meeting, they’ve been outlining to councillors their concern about the need for footpaths; the need for a pedestrian bridge at the Saunder’s Bridge end of the road, and for improved safety measures generally.

 “I have met with numerous residents in the Ardmore Area over the last week and will also be fighting for the critical supporting infrastructure that is so badly needed in the area,” said Cllr Burke.

Cllr Burke said he has been asking questions on Curraghmore School at council level for many years and to now see further light at the end of the tunnel is even more encouraging.