8th January 2015
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Work is scheduled to begin this week on the new state-of-the-art secondary school in Skibbereen to accommodate 1,000 students.
The new secondary school will replace Mercy Heights, De la Salle and Rossa College and bring them all together under one roof. Plans to amalgamate the schools on one modern campus have been in the pipeline for years but it seems that those plans will finally become a reality as building commences this week.
The project will be delivered as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme, with the private sector bearing the initial cost of the project which should ensure that the new school will is delivered more quickly.
“I am delighted to see the work commence this week. The students of these three schools will benefit from the opportunity to learn in new and improved teaching spaces and modern educational facilities built to a very high standard.
“It is fantastic news after a number of years waiting. The completion of a new school will be a huge boost to Skibbereen, and all of those living in the surrounding areas. This new school will hopefully serve local pupils and parents for decades to come.
“I know a lot of work has been going on at a local level for several years in a bid to secure a new building. All of those involved should be commended.
“I am sure families in the Skibbereen area will be particularly heartened by today’s announcement. By the end of 2016, the town will have a modern, new secondary school providing excellent educational and extra-curricular facilities.”