Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board marked the long-awaited commencement of the multi-million euro development of the new school campus for Coláiste Chiaráin in Croom, County Limerick on Friday 31st August. The commencement was marked by a sod-turning ceremony and planting of an oak tree by Coláiste Chiaráin students, Leah Donnelly and William Dore, at the site in Skagh. The event was attended by a large crowd, including representatives of the local community in Croom, the school’s students, staff and board of management, as well as management from the local ETB, the project design team and the main contractor.
Opening the ceremony, Chief Executive, George O’Callaghan, said: “Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is delighted that at long last work can commence on the construction of a new building for Coláiste Chiaráin on this greenfield site. It has to be acknowledged that there have been long delays and twists and turns in getting to this point. At times I know that people felt that this project would never come to fruition. It is a testament to the patience, determination and perseverance of many people that the day has finally come when we can see at last the tangible progress on this development. This is indeed a special day for the Coláiste Chiaráin school community.” He continued: “I would like to thank all those involved: staff, students and their parents, members of the Board of Management, local public representatives and the local community for their commitment and perseverance in ensuring that the project would happen.”
The new school development on the 22 acre (8.9 hectares) site at Skagh, Croom, consists of a 2-storey building of almost 10,000m² designed by Healy Partner Architects. The main contractor MMD, appointed in June, is a Cork-based construction company which has a wide range of experience and expertise in many types of construction projects, including schools.
Performing the official sod-turning at the ceremony, Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Patrick O’Donovan TD said: “This is a fantastic day for Croom and the surrounding areas. After several delays and setbacks we are finally at the stage where the sod can now be turned on the new school. I am delighted for the staff, parents, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and especially the students of the school. This Government investment is a significant boost for the local area and I wish the contractors well on the project, which I hope will be delivered in a timely and safe way.”
The campus will incorporate over 60 teaching spaces which will facilitate delivery of the widest-possible curriculum to 850 students. The development of pitches and external play areas on the site, together with a full-sized PE Hall will enable a diverse range of extra-curricular activities on the new school campus. In addition, the inclusion as part of the project of a Special Education Needs Unit will ensure that the educational needs of the entire school community are met.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr James Collins said: “I’m delighted to be with you today for the official sod turning for the new school for Coláiste Chiaráin. There have been many false dawns in the quest for a new secondary school in Croom but it is now a reality.” He continued: “It is very important that our younger generation and future generations are taught well. We need excellent teachers but we also need excellent facilities. Today is an important day for the school and for Croom.”
The total value of the building project will be between €15 and €20 million and will greatly enhance the social and economic infrastructure of Croom and the surrounding area. Construction is slated for completion in the final quarter of 2019.
Pictured at the ceremony were: Breda Flynn, Acting Head of HR; Paul Patton, Director of Further Education & Training; Eamon Murphy, Head of Capital & Procurement; Shelagh Graham, Director of Organisation Support & Development; George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive; Cllr James Collins, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick; Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; Cllr. Richard O’Donoghue, ETB board member; Sean McMahon, ETB Board member and Chair; Bernadette Cullen, Director of Schools and Denis O’Brien, Head of ICT & Corporate Services with Coláiste Chiaráin students, Teresa Gore, Emily McNamara, Shaena Cohen, Sophie Yeung and Amina Balikoeva.
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