Carlow secondary school seeks planning permission for MAJOR construction works

A Carlow secondary school has submitted a planning permission for a major extension on the grounds. 

The Board of Management St Marys Academy CBS on Railway Road in Rathnapish submitted the application to Carlow County Council this week (January 11) for phased construction works at the school. 

If granted, works will include the felling and removal of existing car park trees, the demolition of the existing single story derelict house and temporary relocation of the existing 50 space car park off site to the rear of Byrnes funeral directors, and the temporary relocation of the existing single story Portacabin beside the existing gym building. 

It also includes the construction of the three story school building of 8308 sqm gross internal area, consisting of general classrooms, locker areas, specialist classrooms, multi[purpose hall and associated fitness room, changing and storage facilities, a general purpose hall with an associated dining area and servery, library, a 4 class base Special Educational Needs (SEN) Unit and associated sensory garden, technology, construction studies and associated prep room, graphics, engineering, art, science and home economics classrooms. 

This also includes ancillary stores, service areas, staff and administrative accommodation. 

The proposed school will include the provision of Heat Pumps with PV panel installations located on the new school roof, and the provision of a new boundary wall, vehicular entrance & pedestrian access gate and associated set down area to the Old Dublin Road. 

Fifty eight car parking spaces are proposed including three new universal design parking spaces, 150 bicycle spaces, biodiverse water management and attenuation systems, hard and soft landscaped areas, upgrading & refurbishment of existing boundaries, some new boundary walls, external store and ancillary site works. 

A decision on the application is expected in March 2023.