Neglect affects 75pc of Galway schools

Two-thirds of schools in the Galway city and county area are in an "extremely urgent" state of neglect, according to a new study.The study was carried out by Ms Fidelma Healy Eames, an education and training consultant who stood unsuccessfully for Fine Gael in the last election.

Just under two months ago, the Department of Education and Science published a national list of schools requiring attention, including 40 in the Galway city and county area. Ms Healy Eames sent out questionnaires to the 40 schools, and to another four schools which were in very bad condition but which were not on the list. She recorded a 73 per cent response rate.

A fear of being "neglected totally" was the majority response from those respondents asked about their greatest dread, while serious concerns about safety - and possible fatalities among children moving between buildings - also emerged as a factor. Several teachers feared being left with pre-fab accommodation forever, while overcrowding was singled out, as was the unsuitability of a 19th-century building for a 21st- century curriculum.

Ms Healy Eames said it was evident that children's health, education and well-being were not a priority for this Government. Given that the Department was working on only 12 schools this year, it could take up to 10 years to clear the national list of over 400 schools ,she said.

Teachers and parents felt misled by the "false promises" of elected representatives, she added, and there was a very negative effect on the morale of teachers.Ms Healy Eames said that "creative solutions" should be considered to keep the issue high on the agenda.