Athenry’s new €20 million Clarin College building is being prevented from opening because of a planning oversight.
Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney said: “There is huge frustration that the construction of the college has been completed but it cannot be opened because some of the planning requirements for pedestrian access have not been met.
“The Department of Education received possession of the college from the contractor on February 21 2020 so the building is ready for occupation by the students and staff.
“The access requirements were known when the planning permission was first granted but they have not been complied with to date by the Department.
“This situation needs to be rectified as soon as possible to allow the school to be used for its intended purpose.
“This is a major investment in education for Athenry and it needs to be opened without delay to avoid wasting valuable resources.”

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
March 2 2020