Longford school has 'landmark occasion' with new Special Education Needs (SEN) project

It was a landmark occasion for Templemichael College on Thursday as Minister for Education and Youth, Ms Hildegarde Naughton TD visited the school to officially turn the sod on its new Special Education Needs (SEN) project.

Operating under the patronage of the Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB), this development at Templemichael College will deliver state‑of‑the‑art facilities to support students with additional learning needs.

Approved under the Department of Education’s Additional Accommodation Scheme, the project will see the construction of a 2-classroom SEN base.

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The contract has been awarded to DCM Contracts, with works set to commence immediately.

“This is a landmark day for the school and wider community,” said delighted principal of Templemichael College, Sorcha Nic Dhonnacha, who alongside Deputy Principal Damien Wallace and Board of Management Chairperson, Cllr Peggy Nolan, formally welcomed Minister Naughton to the school.

Ms Nic Dhonnacha continued, “The signing of the contract and sod turning mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our school. The new SEN base will provide a modern, inclusive learning environment tailored to meet the needs of all our students.”

Minister Naughton remarked, “Today is about the students of Templemichael College and the bright futures ahead of them. School is where young people discover their talents and learn to believe in themselves. As a teacher myself, I know the value that SNAs, teachers and special education teachers bring to a young person’s life and indeed to the entire school.”

The Minister added, “I also know that the team here in Templemichael College are a shining example of how to deliver inclusive education. I have every confidence that the delivery of this new special education two classroom base will provide a welcoming, purpose built space where young people can learn in comfort and confidence, and will be fully supported to reach their potential.”

Siobhán Lynch, Chief Executive of Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB), welcomed the development, “This project represents an important investment in the future of education in our region. It reflects our ongoing commitment to providing facilities that meet the needs of all learners, ensuring that every student can thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.”

Minister Naughton met with some of the First-Year Coding students at Templemichael and she was presented with a bouquet of flowers by 5th year Ella Sheridan. She also met with the building team to view the plans for the new extension.

During her time in Longford, Minister Naughton also visited St Mel’s College and Gaelscoil Longfoirt.

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At St Mel’s, Deputy Principal Jimmy Gacquin discussed the exciting plans for the amalgamation of Meán Scoil Mhuire and St Mel's College with the Minister.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme