Education
Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh moves to new state-of-the-art campus
Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh moves to new state-of-the-art campus. Máire ní Ghuairim Annacotty , James Collins Patrickswell, Kelsey McMahon of Rathbane pictured on the first day in the new school. Pic. Brian Arthur
Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board celebrated the first day of classes at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh’s brand-new school campus located at Clare Street in Limerick City
The multi-million euro custom-designed building marks a new chapter in the all-Irish co-educational community college’s history, providing students with a state-of-the-art learning campus.
The new 8,000m² school, which will accommodate 750 students, is located on the former Kerry Group site on Clare Street and involves an investment of more than €28 million by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, funded by the Department of Education’s Capital Programme for Post-Primary Schools.
Commenting on the school’s first official day in its new home, George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said: “As Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh enters this exciting new era, I know the school remains committed to its core values of academic excellence, creativity, innovation, the Irish language and culture and community. This new campus will very much serve as a catalyst for further success, providing students with the tools and resources they will need to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
The new campus boasts a range of cutting-edge facilities, including, Sustainable Design: The campus is designed to minimise its environmental impact and maximise energy efficiency.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Every classroom is equipped with the latest technology to support interactive teaching, learning and assessment with a focus on each student’s personalised learning journey.
Creative and Collaborative Spaces: The campus features numerous collaborative spaces where students can work together on projects, engage in discussions, and express their creativity.
Extensive Sports Facilities: The campus includes a fully-equipped sports hall, a gymnasium, and outdoor all-weather playing fields to support the school’s strong sporting tradition.
Welcoming students this morning to the new school, Kevin Ó Raghallaigh, Principal, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, said: “We are incredibly excited to open our new campus, which will provide our students and staff with world-class facilities and resources to reach their full potential. Our commitment to all our students will continue to be at the forefront of the educational experience.”
The new school campus features seventy teaching spaces including five Science Laboratories, two Home Economics Rooms, an Art and Textiles Room, Graphics Room, two Construction Studies Rooms, a Technology Room, a Multimedia Room, together with a PE Hall, General Classrooms, Staff Room, a range of External Play Areas including an Astroturf playing space, ancillary and Support Facilities.
Also present as students arrived this morning at the new school, Donncha Ó Treasaigh, ETB Director of Schools, and founding principal of Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, said: “This is a very special moment for Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh. When we began this journey back in 2006 with 32 students, we could have only dreamed of reaching a milestone like this. I want to congratulate everyone involved in making this dream a stunning reality and to wish Kevin and the entire school community all the very best in the years ahead.”
Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh has a distinguished reputation. Since it opened in 2006, students have consistently achieved outstanding Leaving Cert results. 90% of students progress to third level in Ireland, with a further 10% of students receiving scholarships in universities abroad including Europe and the United States.
The Design Team for the state-of-the-art new building was headed up by Thompson Architects and included Rogerson Reddan, Downes & Associates, Don O’Malley & Partners and Integrated Risk Solutions. The main contractor for the project was Limerick company Conack Construction. Work commenced on site in 2022 and was completed for handover this week.
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