First sod turned at new Saplings school

“I’m delighted we have reached this stage,” was the reaction of school principal Ursula Smyth to Monday’s sod-turninig ceremony on the site where the new Saplings school is to go.

The school, which caters for children with autism, is to go on a site earmarked for two schools – Saplings and Gaelscoil an Choillín. The site was once home to the Penn tennis ball factory.

Ms Smyth said it was a great achievement for the founders of Saplings, which started in 2006 at Oaklawns in Mullingar.

Jude Lagan, chairperson of Saplings, was thrilled that the day of the sod-turning on a permanent school had arrived: “What a tremendous achievement,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing it open, hopefully in September.”

Siobhan McDonagh-Keena, a parent of a Saplings student, was among those present and she was “delighted” at the development.

Deputy Peter Burke said there was no doubt but that the new Saplings school is badly needed. “The management and staff have fought a long battle to get to this stage, and hopefully it will be speedily delivered,” he said, adding that he would be available to provide any support they require.

There was a warm welcome too from Deputy Willie Penrose: “This is a tremendous day for Mullingar and Westmeath,” he said, paying tribute to Ms Smyth, and Mr Lagan and the other parents who lobbied to have the new school provided.

“There are 26 pupils in the present school and the new school will enable them to accommodate another seven or eight children,” he stated.

However, he continued, there are as many as 59-60 children in need of places.

That it was a “fantastic day” was the view of Deputy Robert Troy, who said the Saplings committee had taken things a long way since the original school had opened in 2006.

“Now, this is going to be their first purpose-built state of the art facility, which will really make a huge difference to the children who are going to avail of it,” he said.

The only regret, he continued, was that there is still going to be a waiting list for places.

The new Saplings building is to have six classrooms with general purpose hall.