Three Co Wexford schools to get funding for new classrooms and special needs facilities

Kennedy College, New Ross, Coláiste and Átha, Kilmuckridge and Coláiste Abbáin, Adamstown, submitted applications to the Department of Education seeking approval to increase the number of classrooms and specialist rooms in their schools. The applications were successful and work will begin in due course to enhance the school facilities at each location.

With over 400 students, including 50 post leaving cert students, Coláiste an Átha will now benefit from six new classrooms, a Graphic Design lab, Art and Craft room, textiles room, along with new toilet facilities. In addition to this, the school has gotten approval to develop additional special needs accommodation, including a multi-activity room, a practical activity room and additional classrooms for special educational requirements.

The school will also benefit from a significant extension to its canteen area, which will be a welcome addition for students.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have received the great news regarding the approval for the extension,” said principal Elizabeth Martin. “It is testament to the wonderful staff, students and parents who form our community.”

Kennedy College in New Ross will be able to increase its offering. Its new accommodation will include Construction and Graphic Design rooms, a new Home Economics room and a new Music room. The Science lab will also be significantly extended.

Special educational facilities will include new classrooms, a multi-activity space, a quiet area and daily living skills room. The exterior of the building will be equipped with a secure soft play area and a sensory garden.

Principal at Kennedy College, Sarah Roche, said she is delighted to receive the news that Kennedy College has been chosen to take part in the Department of Education’s national pathfinder programme, which will see major works done to the school over the summer and the following months to increase the energy efficiency of the building.

Following the transformational extension to Coláiste Abbáin, Adamstown, in 2016 and the recent provision of further accommodation in the form of a modular extension in 2023, the principal of the school, John Nolan, is now looking forward to further enhancement of the facilities at the school, with the addition of new classrooms, new Technology and Science labs and a new Home Economics room.

Chief Executive of WWETB, Dr Karina Daly, warmly welcomed the news and said that it will make a significant difference.

"High quality facilities are so important in all learning environments. We want our students to feel valued when they come to school and we thank the Department of Education for making this significant investment in these Wexford schools at this time. All of our schools are dedicated to providing quality education in a caring and supportive environment where the holistic development of each student is nurtured,” said Dr Daly.

WWETB schools are co-educational, state-run, inclusive schools, with a strong emphasis on core values of excellence in education, care, equality, community and respect. WWETB provides education and training to over 28,000 students and learners in the areas of primary and post-primary education, further education and training (including apprenticeships) and employs 1,850 staff. In Wexford, this includes eight post-primary schools and a primary school.

WWETB is opening a new school for children with autism and complex learning needs in September 2024, namely Gorey Hill School.