THE educational needs of teenagers in the Letterkenny area has received a significant boost with the news that the long-awaited plan to extend St Eunan’s College has been given the go-ahead by Donegal County Council.
A letter was sent to the school on Monday confirming formal approval to move to the design and tender stage of the plan to build a €30 million extension.
The works will see the construction of 37 general classrooms, 20 specialist teaching rooms, two special needs classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, staff room, offices, kitchen and general purpose room.
Speaking to the Donegal News, St Eunan’s College Principal Damien McCroary said it was fantastic to receive the email from the Council on Monday.
He admitted that after the school has been waiting so long it was a bit surreal to think approval had finally been given.
Mr McCroary said the news was a long time coming and he said everyone involved with the school was delighted that the planned work has been given the green light.
He also acknowledged the work done by predecessors in the school in lobbying for the extension.
“This is something that will benefit everyone in the local community. We’re delighted with the support we’ve got from the local community, residents, staff, pupils and parents.
“The design team in the school will meet later in the week to go through the 21 conditions that the Council have put on the planning permission,” Mr McCroary said.
“While there’s still a few hurdles to be cleared yet it’s very positive for the school because now everyone’s sights will be firmly fixed on the future. We’re still on track,” he added.
This year there are 943 pupils enrolled and more than 100 teachers. The new school will cater for a student intake of 1,000.
“At the moment we have a waiting list for the different year groups. Letterkenny is a growing town and the new school is needed. The extension will be carried out in three phases as we hope to continue to operate while the work is going on around us,” he said.
All existing temporary buildings, the sports hall and the teaching block built in 1979 will be demolished to make way for the new extension.
The project also includes the refurbishment of the existing protected three-storey castle building and will include new drop-off zones, 88 additional parking spaces, and six ball courts, as well as extensive landscaping.
Plans have been in the pipeline for more than twenty years but have been hit by numerous delays and issues.
Since 1999, there have been more than a dozen plans to develop the college. In 2012 An Bord Pleanála refused permission for the development of an extension.
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