The contracts have been signed on a new school in Castleblayney. Gaelscoil Lorgan in Castleblayney will see a brand new school being built on a green field site on the the Shercock Road in the town. The school which has 140 students enrolled is currently in an industrial estate and after years of campaigning for a new school, the contracts have been signed on the €7.5 million investment.
School management described this phase of the development as a 'momentous day' in CMETB Head Office in Monaghan at the official signing of the contracts for the new build. The contractors are CJ Callan and school principal, Michelle Ui Mhairtin says she looks forward to them turning the sod in the coming weeks. Local Senator Robbie Gallagher says he is "delighted" with the recent development.
This significant milestone marks the beginning of an exciting project that will see the construction of a state-of-the-art eight-classroom primary school. The new school which is funded by the Department of Education will feature a connected General Purpose (GP) Hall, a ball court, a junior play area, and associated site works, providing a modern and comprehensive learning environment for students. The project aims to enhance educational facilities and support the growing needs of the school community. The delivery of the building project is entrusted to Cavan and Monaghan ETB who have significant experience in delivering building projects for schools and educational centres across the region.
The contracts were officially signed on Thursday, 28 August 2024 between CMETB and the appointed contractor CJ Callan Construction and witnessed by Cllr. PJ O’Hanlon, Chairperson of CMETB. Also in attendance were representatives from Oppermann Associates (project architects), McGahon Surveyors (project QS), Gaelscoil Lorgan Principal, Michelle Uí Mháirtín and Board of Management Chairperson Brendan O’Dufaigh. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Fiona McGrath (Chief Executive, CMETB) said, “We are delighted to get to this stage on the journey to create a new and improved school building for Gaelscoil Lorgan. This project reflects CMETB’s dedication to providing top-tier educational facilities and fostering a nurturing environment for students and communities in our region.”
Michelle Uí Mháirtín, (Principal, Gaelscoil Lorgan) said: “Lá stairiúil le haghaidh Baile na Lorgan agus muintir na Gaelscoile. Cuirfidh Gaelscoil Lorgan go mór le forbairt na Gaeilge i Muineacháin. Caithfidh muid aire a thabhairt don teanga le haghaidh an chéad ghlúin eile. A momentous day for the people of Castleblayney and surrounding areas who value and appreciate the opportunity to be educated through the medium of Irish. Gaelscoil Lorgan is committed to fostering and developing the Irish Language in Castleblayney. Ní neart go cur le chéile.”
