While smiling students return to primary schools across the country this week, the pupils at the Gaelscoil de h-Ide in Fermoy face into cramped conditions and a message not to run in the playground because of a lack of space.

Though a new school was promised in 2011, the board of management and parents still dont know where or when their new facility will be built.

With 410 students and inadequate classroom and playground space, pupils are not allowed run during morning break because of health and safety risks. The school was originally built to cater for just over 200 students.

While a preferred site for a possible new school, currently owned by Cork County Council, has been identified and partially fenced off, its not yet in the hands of the Department of Education. No official timeframe for transferral and eventual construction has been given, according to the Gaelscoil de h-Ide New School Action Group.

SPACE FOR EXCERCISE NECESSARY

At a time when were told how vitally important it is for children to exercise its sadly ironic that our sons and daughters are told not to break into a run. The teachers do everything they can to help the children play and let off steam, but they cant create space thats not there. Its vital for our childrens health, well-being and educational development that they have adequate space to run, jump and play, said Gaelscoil de h-Ide New School Action Group chairperson, Vivienne Dempsey.

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Lack of space hindering Gaelscoil pupils, as uncertainty over new school continues in Fermoy