Frustration over delay to 1,000 student school project

The delay in providing a new building for Blessington Community College has been criticised by a government TD.

The new premises will accommodate 1,000 students but Fine Gael TD Edward Timmins said the estimated start date for the new build for Blessington Community College has moved from December 2025 to May 2026.

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Dep Timmins said he raised the urgency of the project in the Dáil in April.

“I have been supporting the principal and his team along with the very committed Parents Council representatives who have been campaigning since June 2022, when they got on board to support the work being done by the principal and his staff for this new build which is urgently required,” said Dep Timmins.

He added the project will give the staff and students the school and educational facilities that they deserve.

“The need for sports and canteen facilities is critical (because) the social aspect of school is just as important as the academic element.”

He said that during a meeting with the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board chief Deirdre Keyes it emerged that tender documents are expected to be with the Department of Education at the end of August  “and based on no delays work would  be expected to commence in May 2026.” 

He added: “I am fully committed to working for this commencement date of May 2026 and I will be keeping in close contact with KWETB and the Department of Education.”