New building for Limerick school

The Minister for Education has approved that a new 32-classroom primary school now go to tender

A NEW 32-classroom primary school has been approved and will now go to tender for Monaleen National School.

The co-educational primary school has been expanding in recent years and currently has 800 pupils from junior infants up to sixth class.

The new building will have a five-class special educational needs unit and ancillary accommodation, as well as the mainstream classrooms being spread out over two storeys.

Fianna Fáil TD, Willie O’Dea said: “This is a very exciting development for all involved at Monaleen National School as the new school will provide a state of the art learning environment for many decades to come."

The €20 million development will be built on the existing 4.7 acre school grounds.

Fine Gael TD, Kieran O’Donnell said: “Following the appointment of building contractors after the tender process, which will be carried out by Limerick and Clare ETB, it is expected that construction work on the school will get underway very early next year.

“The school build period is expected to be up to 18 months, with a target opening date for the new school term in September 2026. When this major new school building project is completed, it will be a fantastic enhancement in teaching facilities and amenities for the 800 plus pupils and teaching staff.

“I appreciate the frustration of parents, pupils and the school with the lengthy process here. However, we now have a defined structured process underway, where another key step of approval to go to tender is now secured towards getting the school built as quickly as possible.”