WELCOME NEWS: Thrilled with the news this week that St Brigid's Secondary is to get a state-of-the-art school were students Elaine Parker, Mahima Sujan and Kara Huggard with Principal Roísín Moore. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

Plans are currently out to tender for a brand new state-of-the-art secondary school for Killarney town which could be competed within five years. After a five year campaign for new facilities to accommodate the school's growing numbers - which sees many students undergoing classes in the school's current 18 prefabs - St Brigid's Presentation Secondary School which currently has 720 students, is set to get 29 general classrooms, two Home Economics Rooms, two Art and Craft rooms, six specialist rooms, four science labs, a GP room and ancillary accommodation as part of the new build. The project has been approved for delivery under the Department’s Major Capital Programme as part of Project Ireland 2040.

The ambitious project, announced by Minister for Education Norma Foley, is believed to cost upwards of €15m. It will be built beside the current PE Hall from lands kindly donated by the Presentation Sisters. The PE Hall, originally built in 1985 and funded by the Sisters, is also set to get an upgrade and will include new windows, shower and toilet facilities.

There'll also be a new ASD unit with two classrooms, a therapy room and an multi-sensory room, which accommodate 12 students, doubling the current number.

Principal Roísín Moore said that they are thrilled that preparations are finally underway for the much needed facility.

“We’re thrilled,” Róisín told the Killarney Advertiser.

“It’s been a long battle. We’ve been in negotiations in excess of five years. The school has grown rapidly and we’ve tried to accommodate students. It’ll be great to have all students back in one building again which is great. It certainly secures the future of the school."

She added that none of this would be possible without the help and support of the Presentation Sisters who donated the site, and the work of the Board of Management amongst others.

“We’re delighted that we’re also going to be remaining in the town. We’re currently in the process of tendering and hope to have tenders in in the next two months.”

However, she said there’s one regret that remains.

“The one regret is that our current students are unlikely to benefit from the announcement.”

Minister Foley this week said that a Service Level Agreement between CEIST and the Department has been agreed and the process of the appointment of a design team to deliver the project is underway.

“I am very pleased to announce the news that a new school has been sanctioned for St Brigid’s Secondary School, Killarney. This is a welcome development for the entire school community at St Brigid’s Presentation, Killarney and a recognition of their long service and tradition of excellence in providing education for girls in Killarney town and its hinterland.”