Planning permission green light for new Enfield school

Enfield Community College could have its new permanent school building within the next three years, following the granting of planning permission for the 1,000-pupil school.

The news has been warmly welcomed by principal, Shane Foley, who said he was delighted with the extensive plans for the school which will be located near to the Johnstown roundabout.

“Now that planning permission has been granted, it will go to tender shortly and we could have the school in two to three years,” he predicted.

The state-of-the-art school will have its own PE hall and library as well as 37 general classrooms, six science labs and specialist multi-media rooms, art rooms, home-economics classes, construction and technology rooms, photography facilities, as well as four special education classrooms and a sensory garden.

Facilities will also include outdoor sports facilities.

Mr Foley said that 100 pupils have already enrolled to start first year in September and there are currently 40 first year students in the school.

“We are delighted with the confidence the community of Enfield is already showing in the school and we expect even further enrolments as we are still getting queries,” he said.

The chair of the Board of Management, Cllr Nick Killian said it was fantastic news for the staff and students, as well as the people of the Enfield area.

Cllr Noel French said he is delighted to see the next step being taken in the provision of a new post primary school for Enfield

The school welcomed 40 first year students last September.to facilities at the Hamlet Court Hotel.

The opening of the new facility was the culmination of years of campaigning by local families for a school for the south Meath town.

Generations of secondary school student from Enfield have had lengthy daily journeys from the town to schools in Kilcock and Maynooth, Longwood, Trim and Edenderry.

The school is under the patronage of Louth Meath Education and Training Board, following a consultation process with parents regarding patronage last year.