School prefab is overlooking local homes
The view from of the pre-fab from Stoneleigh
PLANS to extend a school in Craddockstown, Naas with some prefabs has run into some local opposition, and is being opposed by its neighbours.
The recently ran a story about Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) applying to retain a prefab on its Craddockstown Educational Campus, however, in response a resident from the neighbouring estate of Stoneleigh got in contact to say the buildings was under investigation for alleged unauthorised development.
“This investigation pertains to the initial installation of the prefabricated buildings, which occurred without any consultation with residents in the local Stoneleigh housing estate that backs onto the school,” said a resident John Ward.
“Multiple complaints have been lodged concerning whether the school has adhered to the original planning requirements, and we believe it has not.
“Our bedrooms are overlooked by the prefabs, making privacy virtually impossible for significant parts of the year when there is little to no greenery separating the school from our homes.
“This situation has been distressing for residents, and interactions with the school have been quite challenging.”
A spokesperson for the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) issued a statement in relation to these allegations.
“Kildare and Wicklow ETB are fully committed to the education of young people in our communities,” said the spokesperson.
“We are especially committed to the provision of education in our Special School in Craddockstown.
“In conjunction with the Department of Education and Youth (projects Leads ) a planning application has been submitted for the retention of existing modular accommodation (prefabs) on the Craddockstown site and for the purpose of the expansion of Craddockstown Special School which commenced in September 2024.
“This application is for five years, and this proposed expansion is to cater for an additional 18 students in three classes with ASD or Complex Learning Needs.
“To support this planning application, local residents were invited to attend a public meeting on Thursday, 21 August at 5.30pm in the school.
“Residents did attend the meeting, there was full frank engagement at the meeting with KWETB, KSM Project Managers on behalf of the department, and school management.
"The ETB wishes to thank all those who attended and who gave valuable contributions on the evening, all of which will be given full consideration in the building process.”
John Ward said the initial planning application for the school indicated there would be “coverage” between the school and the estate, but for six or seven months of the year there is none.
“They’re not really trees, they’re shrubs, and when they’re bare, they’re bare.
“The elevation of the school means that our bedroom is at eye level with the path surrounding the school."
Mr Ward said he had spoken to the unauthorised development team in the council and believed there was a lack of communication between the team and the planning section.
