€10 million? Chalk it down!
Big things are about to happen for a Bandon school which has just received the green light for a €10 million state-of-the-art expansion.
The Cork Education and Training Board (ETB) was given the go-ahead this week for the extension at St Brogan’s College which will see the school expand to cater for 1,000 students.
More than 30 new classrooms and special education facilities will be delivered through the new extension which will comprise of nineteen general classrooms, a number of science laboratories, art rooms and a new staff room, as well as new canteen facilities.
The project, which was green-lit by the Department of Education and Skills, will be delivered on a phased basis to meet the growth of enrolments, with priority for the delivery of much-needed specialist rooms forming part of the first phase.
Commenting on the good news, St Brogan’s College Principal Helen Cadogan said staff are delighted and that the extension will ensure that the school continues its mission and to serve the people of Bandon and its environs.
“The school is indebted to the board of management and Cork ETB for their continued support in seeking this extension. We are also deeply grateful to the parents who support us, to our wonderful students and our hard-working, dedicated and caring staff and we look forward to being able to provide them with the best of facilities,” said Principal Cadogan.
Cork ETB Chief Executive Denis Leamy said that the extension is great news for Bandon and for St Brogan’s College which he said plays a vital role in the community.
“The extension will enable student numbers to increase to meet the growing demand for post-primary school places in Bandon. Cork ETB has always been committed to providing the best possible options in terms of education.
“This is an extremely positive development in servicing the educational needs of Bandon and its hinterland. This will further enhance the educational experience of the 600, and eventually, 1,000 students attending St Brogan’s College and future generations. I am particularly thrilled for the pupils, parents and staff of St Brogan’s College,” he added.
Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard welcomed the announcement. “I am delighted that the Department of Education and Skills has approved this project; it is the most significant investment in a West Cork school that we have seen for many years.
“There is a major shortage in school places in Bandon, an issue I have been campaigning the Department to address; Bandon schools provide for an extensive geographical population and enrolments have been increasing extensively," he said.