County’s newest secondary school ready to open

Meath’s newest post primary school Colaiste Rioga, Dunshaughlin, will open on 1st September in temporary accommodation beside The Willows on the Dublin road.

The new school which will initially be housed in temporary accommodation will start with one class group.

The temporary accommodation will include practical rooms for woodwork, science, home economics and metalwork, and is located on a greenfield site on the southside of the town, adjacent to The Willows housing estate.

The LMETB school has been sanctioned for in excess of 600 students and was approved by the Department of Education and Skills to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of Dunshaughlin and surrounding areas.

The patronage was decided by a vote among parents of the area.

The principal, Declan Clarke, has confirmed that it will commence with a broad range of subject options. Speaking at a visit to the site of the new school with Councillor Nick Killian who is chair of the board Mr Clarke expressed his vision for the new co-educational multi-denominational school.

“I am excited to get the school up and running. In common with most newly established schools, it will start with a relatively small number of students and will grow rapidly in coming years.

“The students who start in September will receive a great deal of personal attention and commitment from a motivated and professional teaching staff.

“I would encourage any parent whose child has not yet secured a secondary school place to contact me, and their child will be made welcome”.

LMETB member Nick Killian said “this is an exciting educational opportunity for the new students that will be welcomed at the start of the school year on the 1st of September.

“We have engaged a tremendous group of teaching staff to cover the range of options. I wish Principal Declan Clarke every success with Colaiste Rioga over the coming years”.

The site of the new secondary school will also accommodate Dunshaughlin Community National School in time.

“Both schools are supported by LMETB, and together with sister school, Dunshaughlin Community College, demonstrate the Board's long-term commitment to the town’s educational services,” said Cllr Killian.