Following a visit to Donegal last week, Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, highlighted the major Government investment in education in Donegal in recent years and has given a commitment that providing further improvements is a major priority for her.
"Under this Fianna Fáil led Government, Donegal has benefited from huge investment in the two most important elements of the education system - the people who teach our children and the physical facilities in which they learn," stated the Minister.
Highlighting the fact the number of primary teachers in Donegal has increased by a third under the current Government, with over 1,000 teachers in schools throughout the county, the Minister continued: "While we are committed to providing more teachers to reduce class size next year, it is important to remember how much has already been achieved," she said.
Special educational needs have also been a major priority for Government, of which, Minister Hanafin commented: "There has been a remarkable increase in the numbers of Special Needs Assistants helping children with special educational needs. In Donegal there are over 330 SNAs in primary and post primary schools."
Speaking about the investment in the physical facilities in Donegal, Minister Hanafin said that over ¤87 million has been spent on building and modernisation projects in Donegal schools in recent years.
The Minister concluded saying she is confident extra funding for her Department due to be announced by Minister Cowen in the December will lead to even more improvements in education in Donegal next year.
Funding for development committees welcomed
SEáN Ó Baoill, former member of Údarás na Gaeltachta has welcomed the new pilot for the Donegal Gaeltacht, which will help finance local development committees. The amount of money allocated to finance this scheme is 400,000 euro. This scheme is co-funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta and the International Fund for Ireland. He said it was a result of a motion tabled by him at an Údarás Board meeting in 2003 at Baile Bhúirne, Co. Cork.
At that meeting, Seán Ó Baoill made strong representations on behalf of local development committees and stated that a big problem existed when committees had projects up and running and needed financial help to stay afloat. He stressed that it was essential to provide financial help at this point in their development.
Mr. Seán Ó Baoill said: "I warmly welcome this funding as it is unique insofar as this particular type of financial assistance has hitherto not been available. It is indeed a welcome initiative and will greatly enhance the work of voluntary development committees".
'Flight' at the Ballindrait link
DONEGAL Couty Coucil is currently trying to source funding for a plaque to be erected on Ballindrait Bridge, commemorating its links with the Flight of the Earls.
Administrative Officer in the Council's Community Culture and Enterprise section, Richard Gibson confirmed that Ballindrait Bridge had a big significance with the Flight of the Ealrs, and suggested at this week's meeting of Letterkenny Electoral Area that funding may be secured throught the 'Per Cent for Arts' scheme.
