Local education chief hits out at new objection to school

The chief executive officer of Meath VEC, Peter Kierans, has hit out at those 'who are using the planning system to frustrate the public need' after a further appeal was lodged with Bord Pleanala against the granting of planning permission for Coláiste na hInse"s temporary school building at Laytown. On the last day for appealing Meath County Council"s granting of planning permission for the temporary school building, an appeal objecting to the development was lodged by local resident Jimmy Lyons. While it had been hoped that work could commence next month on the temporary school, the appeal now means this will be delayed by several months. An earlier application by Meath VEC for a temporary building at a different location within the school site was granted permission by Meath County Council and got the go-ahead from Bord Pleanala. However, Mr Lyons, who lodged an appeal objecting to the planning permission, has sought a judicial review against the decision of Bord Pleanala after his objection was ruled invalid. Meath VEC decided to seek planning permission at an alternative location within the site because of the delay associated with the judicial review. Alternative accommodation had to be sought for this year"s students and arrangements were put in place with the owners of the Neptune Beach Hotel in Bettystown for the school to be accommodated in the hotel for the forthcoming school year. Coláiste na hInse opened its doors to its first pupils yesterday (Tuesday) and some 78 students are now enrolled in the new post-primary school. Mr Kierans said that people were 'annoyed' when they learned of the latest appeal but said he was surprised at how upbeat they were and that parents were not allowing objectors to spoil the opening of the new school. However, he said the issue would be the highest item on the agenda for the school"s board of management. Some 100 pupils are already enrolled for next year and, by the following year, the school"s numbers will be up to 300. A permanent school building is in planning and is due to be completed for September 2011.