EXPANSION: Building works have resumed at The Mon on New Road which will include a Special Needs Unit and new school hall. Pictured are Principal Colm O Súilleabháin and Deputy Principal Mary Brosnan. Photo: Michelle Crean

EXCLUSIVE

By Michelle Crean

A brand new €600,000 extension is well underway at one local school and is set to give staff and pupils even bigger and better facilities.

The works, which will include a Special Needs Unit with a sensory room, an ASP classroom, and a new hall in The Mon on New Road, began just before lockdown but works were delayed due to the sudden school closures earlier this year. Now it's hoped that it will be ready for an official opening in the New Year.

With 190 pupils from second to sixth class, school principal Colm O Súilleabháin says they are all looking forward to moving into the new building.

"We have two special classes, one which caters for pupils with two or more diagnosed with learning difficulties, and the second is an ASP class for children on the spectrum," he told the Killarney Advertiser.

"The unit will combine both classes and the multi sensory room. We're also building a new general practice hall as the one we had was not fit for purpose. The old hall you couldn't fit everybody in at one time and Christmas concerts were tight for space. The new hall will be double the size of the one we had and will be fantastic."

He said it was disappointing to see the project delayed due to the COVID closure in mid-March but he was delighted to see the workers back on site before school resumed.

"The work started the week before the lockdown so it was tools down for a while but it's great to see the work progressing. We're looking forward to the New Year when it's complete."

And the work won't be stopping there as school staff are planning to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to create a fun and colourful space outside for the pupils.

Although still in the planning phase, Deputy Principal Mary Brosnan said they will be posting a fundraising page online in the coming weeks.

"We will be setting up a GoFundMe page asking people for a minimum of €5. We also want to set up an Instagram page for the unit. We're hoping to raise approximately €30,000 to help fund a child friendly soft play area and make the outside nice and colourful."