Derelict school gets multi-million euro transformation
Construction has begun on an €8 million revitalisation project at a historic school in Cork’s only Gaeltacht.
The project will see derelict Gaeltacht school Coláiste Íosagáin in Ballyvourney transformed into Campas Íosagáin, a state-of-the-art digital hub aimed at fostering economic growth and innovation.
Coláiste Íosagáin originally opened in 1940 as a preparatory college and was named after a book by Irish revolutionary Pádraic Pearse.
The new facility is being developed by Údarás na Gaeltachta and is expected to create 200 jobs and attract increased business to the area.
Located in the Muscraí Gaeltacht, Campas Íosagáin will offer a full range of training and development supports for local entrepreneurs, remote workers, and multinational companies.
The project is currently in its initial phases with works expected to take 15 months. Construction and redevelopment work is focused on both renovation and new build elements, ensuring the elements of the historic building are preserved.
Once open, the first facility’s first operational phase aims to incubate over 45 startup companies, with additional phases of development planned in the future.
Siobhán Ní Ghadhra, Chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: “This project not only honours our rich cultural heritage but also paves the way for a thriving, modern economy in rural Ireland. By creating a space where innovation and tradition can coexist, we are ensuring that our Gaeltacht communities remain vibrant and economically viable for future generations.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O'Donovan, TD welcomed the commencement of works: “The start of the redevelopment of Coláiste Íosagáin is great news, marking a long-awaited boost to the regional economy and rural development in Baile Mhúirne.
“The new digital hub will provide critical infrastructure to support remote working, business growth, and enterprise in the heart of our rural communities as well as attracting larger national and multi-national companies,” added the minister.
Dan Barry, Regional Director for the South and South East for Enterprise Ireland, added: “Projects like Campas Íosagáin play an important role in regional growth by fostering collaboration and providing supports, and we would like to congratulate all the team involved.”
The project is being funded through a grant of €3.3 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, along with €2.7 million from Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF).