Harte welcomes progress at Bunscoil an Iúir

Sinn Féin Councillor Valerie Harte has welcomed progress following a meeting with Bunscoil an Iúir and Council officials regarding the urgent replacement of a modular building on the school grounds.

The building had become unfit for use due to severe leaking and structural issues.

Cllr Valerie Harte with colleagues at the meeting discussing the building at Bunscoil an Iúir.

placeholder image — Cllr Valerie Harte with colleagues at the meeting discussing the building at Bunscoil an Iúir.

Cllr Harte was joined by the school principal, a representative of the Board of Governors, Aidan Mallon from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, and Cllr Aidan Mathers.

“The current modular building at Bunscoil an Iúir is no longer fit for purpose, and it was essential that urgent action be taken to ensure pupils and staff are not left without vital space for teaching and learning,” said Cllr Harte.

“While the permanent replacement building is currently moving through the procurement process — which could take some months — we pressed for an immediate solution. Council has now agreed to provide a temporary unit, which should be in place and operational within two weeks. This is a positive and necessary step forward for the school community.”

Cllr Harte also praised the role of Cllr Mathers, in helping to secure this progress.

“I want to sincerely commend Councillor Aidan Mathers for all his hard work and commitment in helping to get this over the line. He has been fully engaged with me, the school, and council officers throughout, and his efforts have made a real difference.

“I want to thank the school staff and governors for their ongoing advocacy and collaboration. This has been a collective effort, and we’ll continue to monitor progress closely to ensure the temporary unit is delivered without delay — and that the permanent solution remains on track.”