New school building for Marymount NS in Drogheda welcomed by Senator
The school has been approved for a new 20 classroom building
Marymount National School in Drogheda has been approved for a new 20-classroom building.
The building, which will include four dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) classrooms has been welcomed by Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn.
Senator Comyn said it is a hugely important and welcome day for both Marymount and Louth.
"This new school building is not just welcome, it is essential. Pupils and staff have endured unacceptable conditions for far too long, and today’s confirmation brings long-overdue certainty,” she said.
Marymount NS which was built in 1969 is reported to have faced long-standing structural and environmental challenges, including damp, poor insulation, overcrowding and limited SEN facilities.
Senator Comyn said teachers and staff have shown extraordinary dedication in what she called "difficult circumstances".
"Parents have advocated tirelessly for their children. This decision recognises that reality and delivers the safe, warm and inclusive learning environment every child deserves,” she said.
In addition to Marymount NS, five other schools in Louth have been included in the first tranche of prioritised school projects under the National Development Plan.
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Drogheda Educate Together Secondary School – a new 1,000-pupil post-primary school with SEN provision
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De La Salle College, Dundalk – an extension providing 2 SEN classrooms, 2 mainstream classrooms and 1 specialist room
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St Vincent’s Secondary School, Dundalk – an extension including 6 SEN classrooms, 6 specialist rooms, 1 SET room, 2 mainstream classrooms, a canteen, GP store and servery
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St Mary’s Special School, Drogheda – a new 17-classroom special school
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St Ita’s Special School, Drogheda – a new 20-classroom special school
Senator Comyn said this is a significant investment package for Louth, which has a "strong emphasis on special education".
"The expansion of capacity at both mainstream and special schools is essential to ensure every child can access an appropriate school place close to home,” Senator Comyn said.