Dear Parent / Colleague / Board member,

 

Major Funding Approved for Traffic Calming Measures at Our School.

I am delighted to share some wonderful news. We have been informed that the application submitted by Waterford City and County Council this year for traffic calming measures at our school has been approved, with a total allocation of €330,000 confirmed for the project.

This announcement from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) for road safety upgrades at the regional/local road (R671) junction represents the culmination of many years of sustained effort, advocacy, and collaboration behind the scenes to improve road safety at our school.

To this end, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the current and previous Chairs and Board of Management members, especially Ned Moore and Brendan O’Brien, who joined me on the BOM Sub-Committee over the past number of years. I thank Council staff, including Director of Services / Head of Roads Gabriel Hynes, Area Engineer Maria Goff, and engineers such as John O’Sullivan and Eamon Lonergan, who worked with us during their respective tenures. We also acknowledge Deputy Engineer Noel Flynn, a past pupil, for his efforts along the way.

We have developed a very positive working relationship with the Council, including Local GSS Overseers and General Operatives. We have always enjoyed the cooperation of local landowners, with whom we continue to liaise and will do so into the future. I acknowledge the political advocacy made on our behalf by some of our TD’s and the engagement with us up to last weekend. We were honoured to welcome the Mayor of the City and County to our school some years ago to highlight our concerns and I think this helped.

I would also like to mention our collaboration with the local Road Action Group (BRAG) for its assistance in 2025/26, especially Alice Coffey, grandparent and School Liaison Officer, who took up the mantle from her late husband Billy, not forgetting the current and past members of An Garda Síochána who have patrolled road safety down the years.

There are still steps to complete, but the most significant milestone has been achieved in securing this approval. The formal process will now commence with all its bureaucracy, but we are hopeful that by the end of the year, the project will become a reality.

When complete, this significant investment will greatly enhance safety for our pupils, families, staff, and the wider community, particularly at drop-off and collection times. We will share further details regarding the scope of works and timelines in due course. Thank you sincerely for your continued support over the years in advocating for safer access to our school.

This week in school.

On Tuesday, the children enjoyed pancakes to celebrate Lá na bPancóga. Thanks to Anna Long and her grandchild Anna who ensured the tradition continues in our school. Thanks to the teachers for providing the ingredients and pupils for bringing along the toppings. On Wednesday, Fr Michael called with ashes to mark the start of Lent.

 

Phone lines.

Our phone line has been restored. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

 

Quiz Season.

Please note that our own Family Quiz Night is scheduled for Thurs 26^th March at 7:30 pm. If we have enough demand we will proceed. I attach the link for families to give an expression of interest for the night. Family Quiz Night Expression of Interest Form Well done to our Rg 6 girls Lucy, Mary, Ayla and Saorlaith, who enjoyed success last weekend in Ballyduff.

 

World Book Day.

The P.A. will run a book sale on the 5^th of March to coincide with World Book Day. They are requesting children/parents to drop pre-loved books to the school for these next few weeks. The P.A. will arrange them by age in the hall for the sale. Children are asked to bring in €3 to get a book on the day. Thanks to those who have already contributed.

 

Carambola Survey.

The P.A. has suggested I send out a survey to families to get feedback on school meals. I attach the link here again this week for those who missed it. PA HSM Survey

 

Important Year in our Parish.

Later this year, Our Lady & St Laurence’s Church, Fourmilewater will celebrate its bi centenary as it was built in 1826 and Fourmilewater Hurling Club will also celebrate its centenary anniversary, as it was founded 100 years later in 1926. We will help mark these significant milestones with both the Church and GAA who both have strong links to our school and the wider school community.

 

Mid-Term.

School will close this evening for MTB and reopen again on Monday morning. Enjoy the short break.

 

Is mise

Michael J. O’Ryan

Principal.