Multimillion extension at Clare school is officially opened
THE MINISTER for Education Norma Foley has officially opening of the multi-million euro new school extension at Ennis Community College/Gaelcholáiste an Chláir.
The event was attended by the school’s students, staff and board of management; the Cathaoirleach of Clare, Cllr Tony O’Brien; Chair of Limerick and Clare ETB, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon; Chair of the School Board of Management, Cllr Ann Norton; ETB senior management; the project design team and the main contractor; as well as numerous elected representatives and representatives of the local community.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister Foley thanked the school community for its support: “What a truly wonderful welcome from the school communities at Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir. Thank you to the students who led me on a guided tour of this state of the art extension and to the very many students who spoke so proudly and passionately to me about their school and some of the exciting new facilities they’ve been enjoying including the PE Hall, the Science Lab, the Home Economics Room and the Library. This exciting new development is an endorsement of the school community at Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir for their tireless commitment, passion and endeavour to educating the young people of Ennis and surrounding areas,” she said.
Not alone does it provide a range of specialist and general teaching spaces necessary to cater for the increasing number of students, it has also delivered an external area at the rear of the school where the students can play and socialise in an open, safe and welcoming space. The design team, led by Thompson Architects, worked with the main contractor, Coolsivna Construction, to successfully manage the safety of all involved and deliver a high-quality project on completion.
Also speaking at the official opening, George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said: “This is a very important day for the school community of Ennis Community College/Gaelcholáiste an Chláir. Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is delighted to see the culmination of significant planning and design come to fruition today. The new facilities are providing excellent, much-needed learning spaces and making a big contribution to the entire school community and the town of Ennis.”
The state-of-the-art new development sees the addition of 4,500 square metres of teaching accommodation. As well as a significant number of new classrooms, the project also includes a new Science Lab, Home Economics room, Art room, Library and General Purpose Hall.
Additionally, a full-size PE Hall, fitness suite and changing facilities have been delivered as part of the project.
During his speech at the opening ceremony, Principal Brian O’Donoghue said: “The diversity of a community is its strength. It is our strength as a school and, through the work of a fiercely dedicated and committed staff, we contribute to the development of confident learners and confident young adults."