Minister for Education confirms multi-million euro Castletroy College Extension

Castletroy College Extension – Pictured at a visit and formal announcement of major extension plans to Castletroy College was Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD (centre). Picture: Don Moloney

Castletroy College Extension includes a 2-classroom SEN facility, several General Classrooms, a Technology Room and multiple ancillary spaces

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has welcomed the announcement of a new 3,000 square metre extension at Castletroy College. The Castletroy College Extension announcement was made by Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, during a visit to the ETB community college last Friday and represents a multi-million euro investment in the school building under the Department’s Schools Capital Programme. The school, which opened in 2000, has seen its enrolment increase significantly over the past 23 years with a previous extension completed in 2006/2007.

Speaking to students and staff, Minister Foley said: “It’s a great joy for me to be part of your story here today. The very ambitious project that the Department has announced for the school is a significant one, with a multi-million euro investment in the school. It is a project that matches the ambition that you have shown here since the year 2000, as you have grown and grown. It is an extraordinary vote of confidence by the local community in this school that students continue to come in great, great numbers. But they come as a reflection of the work that happens here every day. I look forward to this project moving at pace, enhancing all the more and giving greater opportunities to students who will come here in the coming years.”

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board anticipates the development of an exciting and innovative design for the Castletroy College Extension to provide a quality educational environment to meet current and future educational needs of Castletroy College students. Chief Executive, George O’Callaghan, said: “We are delighted as an ETB to support this school in every way we can in the provision of education, including through resources and building facilities. The most important element of any school are the students and teachers. I congratulate the teachers of Castletroy College for the fine job that they do in terms of teaching and learning and the students for all that you do and for your commitment.” He continued: “As an ETB we have a commitment to all of the students in our care. Part of that is our policy to ensure that all of our schools also have modern Special Education Needs facilities and Special Class provision. I am delighted to be able to say that Castletroy College is also committed to that provision and to the provision of Special Class education from September 2023. We are delighted that our policy of inclusivity, reaching out to everybody in our care and ensuring that they get the best possible education, is happening here. I commend the school on its results but also on the care and support it gives to its students.”

The new Castletroy College Extension will feature a 2-classroom SEN facility, several General Classrooms, DCG Room, Science Laboratory, Art/Craft Room, Home Economics Room, Technology Room and multiple ancillary spaces.

Welcoming the Minister’s announcement, Castletroy College Principal, Pádraig Flanagan said: “Our school is very proud of how we have served our local community over the past 23 years. Today’s announcement is so very welcome as it allows us to continue, and to enhance, our educational provision for our community.”

The design process, led by Healy Partners Architects, commenced in late 2022 and the Design Team are currently progressing submission of the Stage 1 Report to the Department’s Devolved Project Section.

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