Sod turning for St Mary's Special School

The official sod turning ceremony for St Mary’s Special School and the second phase of Coláiste Na Mí took place at the Johnstown Educational campus this morning (Tuesday).

Minister for Special Education, Josepha Madigan was joined by Ministers Helen MCEntee, Thomas Byrne and Damien English for the sod turning ceremony.

The new multi-million euro development for St Mary's Special School will see a split-level two-storey school with facilities including classrooms, art woodwork, computer and home economics room, library, a daily living skills room, as well as a general purpose room with stage and full kitchen and dining facilities.

The timeframe for construction is expected to be 18 months to two years.

The extension to Coláiste na Mí secondary school will include two and three-storey extensions and will link the existing school building to Sion House and St Martha’s College. The additional accommodation will include, science labs, technology rooms, classrooms, art rooms, computer rooms, social areas, a special needs unit and a full-size PE hall with a stage.

Coláiste na Mí currently has 824 pupils and the new facilities will cater for 1000 plus students.

Cllr Tommy Reilly said; “All good things come to those who wait - and by God, have we been waiting for over 20 years for thiS."

Cllr  Reilly described the event as 'emotional' after two decades of working with the school and parents for the facility

“St Mary's Special School is 45 years old and started with less than a dozen students to over 90 pupils today in 12 classrooms, a special care unit and an Autistic Learning Centre

"I'm just thrilled to see contractors on site for a school that should have had this day many, many years ago," he said

"The late Eamonn Cleary gave the five acre site for free and another 33 acres was then zoned to make his original vision for education in the area real.

"The same man then went to New Zealand and was bestowed an honour by then President Mary McAleese on his work for education and Irish emigrants over there.

"On this momentous day, I am delighted for the existing principal, staff, parents and the students but I'd also like to thank and remember all the parents and their children who have come through St Mary's over the last 45 years.  I've been involved with the school for over 20 years in trying to get a new facility off the ground.

"They have all helped to make this school so great and this new building, which we have campaigned for over 20 years for, reflects that level of dedication," he said.