Students from Kilkenny set to benefit from new 750-pupil school
BAM has commenced construction of a new 750-pupil school for Presentation De La Salle College, Bagenalstown
A new school that will cater for many students based in Kilkenny is now under construction just over the border in Carlow.
BAM has broken earth on a new 750-pupil school for Presentation De La Salle College in Bagenalstown following a sod-turning ceremony attended by Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Minister of State at the Department of Health and TD for Carlow-Kilkenny.
Students from Kilkenny have long been a fixture at the school, with Paulstown National School serving as one of its feeder schools.
The project will include a new school building, sports hall and dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) accommodation, providing inclusive learning spaces for pupils with additional needs alongside their peers.
Construction will take place in two phases to minimise disruption to pupils and staff, with the existing school remaining operational throughout.
Once complete, the new facilities will provide modern, purpose-built spaces for teaching, learning, recreation and student wellbeing.
Darren Devane, Director of Building at BAM Ireland, said that the contractor is “creating spaces that support different learning needs, encourage inclusion and give every pupil the chance to thrive.”
“Delivering a new school while education continues around us requires careful planning and close collaboration,” he added.
“It’s a challenge our teams understand well, and one that makes this project particularly rewarding.”
Speaking at the event, Michael Hickey, Principal of Presentation De La Salle College, said that the new school development at Presentation De La Salle College “will provide our students with a state of the art facility where their talents will be nurtured, their ambitions encouraged and their friendships strengthened.”
“We look forward with great pride and optimism to this exciting new chapter for our whole school community,” he said.
“We are laying the foundations, not only for a new building, but for a bright future for Presentation De La Salle College and the generations of young people who will pass through our doors.”
Presentation De La Salle College is one of three major school developments across counties Carlow, Kildare and Meath being delivered as part of Project Boyne Lot 2.