Minister confirms significant development for north Mayo school

MINISTER Dara Calleary has confirmed that the major school building project for Scoil Íosa in Ballina has moved to architectural planning stage 4 – construction.

The new school involves an investment of €10 million in a 13-classroom facility.

“This is a very significant development for the management, staff and pupils of Scoil Íosa Ballina and allows for the project to now move to construction," said Minister Calleary.

"The design team for the project issued the letter of acceptance to the successful contractor on July 31 and the project will commence on site in the coming weeks, with an estimated construction duration of 19 months."

He added: "I have worked very closely with both former Minister Norma Foley and present Minister Helen McEntee to get this project to this stage. It is a very substantial investment in education in Ballina – a 13 classroom new build school, plus accommodation for pupils with special educational needs and the demolition of the existing buildings at the current school site at an estimated cost of over €10 million.

"Scoil Íosa is a wonderful school, blessed with fantastic staff, very dedicated boards of management and vibrant school communities over the years.

"The physical core of the current building dates back over 150 years - this new build will ensure a proper match of the physical building to the amazing school ethos.

Continued Minister Calleary: "I have worked closely with school principal Michael Tunney, deputy principal Monica Duffy, board of management chair Christy McDonagh and the staff to progress this and I congratulate them on their work to date. I look forward to works now commencing and completing within the expected timeframe.”