Councillors have unanimously voted to contact the Minister for Education in regards to a new building project for Kolbe Special School.
Kolbe has been the subject of much discussion, as the conditions of the building have been highlighted as being appalling for those being educated and teaching in the school.
“These people are the most vulnerable in our society,” said councillor Noel Tuohy, who raised the motion to contact Minister Bruton.
In the motion, cllr Tuohy asked, “That this Council writes to the Minister for Education, supporting the call of the staff and the parents of the pupils of Kolbe house, to be part of a new building project on the site which has been selected for some years.”
“Further that this Council assist in any way it can to expedite this badly needed project for the most vunerable children in our society,” said the Portlaoise cllr.
“If you’ve ever been there, it’s a real eye opener. If you’ve never been, I suggest you go up for 10 minutes some day – it will open your eyes,” he said in the council chamber.
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“It’s just not right. They’re wonderful people doing a great job. It’s just not right in this day and age.”
Cllr Willie Aird agreed wholeheartedly with cllr Tuohy’s motion and statments. “The Kolbe centre has to be a priority. Anything we can do, has to be done. Can a copy of that motion be sent to our three Laois TDs?”
Cathaoirleach of Portlaoise Municipal District, Catherine Fitzgerald, asked that a letter be sent to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, also.
The decision to send a letter to Minister Bruton was favoured by all members of the Portlaoise municipal district.
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