Gym at Kildare school to get major upgrade

Plans for a €100,000 refurbishment of sports facilities at Coláiste Lorcáin in Castledermot have been granted planning permission by Kildare County Council.

The South Kildare project falls under the Community and Sport – Leisure Facilities sector and is expected to modernise the school’s existing gym hall through a series of energy-efficient and structural improvements.

Planning approval was confirmed on 30 March 2026 under application number 2660095, following its initial submission in early February.

The approved works will see the replacement of the gym’s existing double-height timber screens and doors with a new glazed curtain walling system, incorporating solid aluminium panels and upgraded access points. In addition, the current high-level single-glazed units will be removed and replaced with modern double-glazed curtain walling, significantly improving insulation and natural light within the facility.

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As part of the upgrade, two air source heat pumps will be installed on site, enclosed by 2.8-metre-high perimeter screening. These systems are aimed at improving the building’s energy efficiency and reducing long-term heating costs.

Further enhancements include the installation of a vandal-resistant electric vehicle charging point, complete with a local electrical enclosure, distribution board and dual charging outlet - reflecting a broader shift towards sustainable infrastructure within public projects.

The development, which has an estimated value of €100,000, is categorised as a refurbishment and renovation project and will take place on a site measuring approximately 1.87 hectares. No demolition works are required as part of the plans.

The investment is expected to benefit both students and the wider school community, providing upgraded indoor sports facilities in an area where access to modern leisure infrastructure is seen as increasingly important.

The project has now reached the “plans granted” stage, with no further planning reviews scheduled.