The transfer of the Donegal Education Centre needs to be stalled by Ministerial order, according to veteran Donegal TD, Pat the Cope Gallagher.
The Fianna Fail TD issued a statement on the controversial plans having attended both public meetings concerning the relocation of the Donegal Town-based centre.
He said he is now calling on the Minister for Education to issue a stay of execution on the proposed moving of “this critically important centre.”
He added “The entire process needs to be stalled and I am further requesting that the Public Accounts Committee once it is constituted, undertake an immediate examination into all aspects of this debacle, from a corporate governance, financial undertaking and decision-making aspect. .
“I am totally taken aback at the insistence on the part of the management committee at progressing this in advance of tomorrow’s (WED) AGM gathering.
“This is a regrettable episode from start to finish and one which is not dissipating, therefore the Minister needs to take clear and precise action.”
Management of the centre issued a statement earlier this week saying it is to proceed with its move from Donegal Town to Letterkenny in April.
They confirmed the Glenview Business Park premises will be opening at the beginning of next month.
Large levels of resistance have surrounded the CPD centre’s move from Donegal Town, where it has been based for 28 years.
Protest meetings and Dáil representations have taken place regarding the centre asking staff to move their place of work to Letterkenny, which is more than 60 km away.
It’s understood that Fórsa has now requested WRC mediation, to which Donegal Education Support Centre has agreed.
In a statement, the centre has today said the move is intended to ensure “accessibility for all educators in Donegal”.
“A new lease has been signed and this is a new beginning for teacher professional learning in Donegal and this strategic move marks a significant milestone in the centre’s ongoing commitment to supporting educators across the county,” they said.
Management has also said that external venues will continue to be used, on occasion, to meet local educational needs throughout the county. There was concern that all outreach services would be halted when the Donegal Education Support Centre bases itself in Letterkenny.
Management said: “The new centre will serve as a modern, welcoming hub where Principals, Teachers, and SNAs can access high-quality professional learning and resources. The new Centre will deliver high quality training and support, making our services more accessible to a larger number of educators. The Donegal Education Support Centre is seen as a progressive Centre, supporting innovation and growth. The growth of this Education Centre is a testament to the need for local education service provision in support of school communities.”
The Donegal Education Support Centre will hold its AGM today, Wednesday 26th March in Letterkenny.
Those opposing the move, including Cllr Jimmy Brogan, have expressed concern over the lack of access to the upcoming AGM for SNAs and retired teachers who cannot register to attend because they don’t have a Teaching Council Number.
Cllr Brogan is coordinating a free bus for teachers of Donegal Town to attend and express their views.
