Green light for €30m state-of-the-art school
An artist's impression of the new Carlow CBS
A DREAM is about to become a reality as St Mary’s Academy CBS in Carlow town has just been given the green light for a new school.
The new building will cost approximately €30 million and will completely replace the existing one when it’s completed.
School principal Fiona Lennon told that getting the go-ahead for the major project was a “transformative moment” for their school.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone involved in making this dream a reality and eagerly anticipate the bright future that lies ahead for our school," said Ms Lennon.
She added: “The plans are stunning and the facilities are game-changing. We’re very proud of it, this is a good news story.” Designed by Moloney O’Beirne Architects, the new school will be located at the rear of the existing campus. The tendering process will begin immediately and it’s hoped that the work will start in June 2025, taking some 18 months to complete.
Cars and other vehicles will access the school grounds through an entrance on the Old Dublin Road, while students will still use the gateway on Railway Road.
Key features of the development include specialised rooms dedicated to music, graphics, multimedia, construction studies, technology, engineering and home economics.
Four science laboratories will add to the facilities, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to advancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.
Also in the carefully designed plans are art rooms with panoramic views to inspire young artists, while a special educational needs suite, complete with a sensory garden, will further create an inclusive space to suit all needs.
Among the other facilities are enhanced dining and social areas, a modern library, a multi-use PE hall, a fitness suite and an astro turf pitch for both sports and recreational activities.
The idea of building a new school from scratch was first mooted after the board of management bought land nine years ago at the back of the existing building. The initial plan was to use the land as playing fields, but as the school was due to be extended anyway, it was decided to take on the bigger project of creating a complete new school.
Now that planning permission has been granted, the development will go out to tender, but so far, there’s no concrete start date for the build.
St Mary’s Academy CBS Carlow was established by the Christian Brothers in 1863, operating under the ethos of its founder Edmund Rice. Currently, 440 boys attend the school, while the new facility will be able to cater for about 600 students.
Ms Lennon said that getting the planning permission for the new school was the result of years of hard work.
“The project is a testament to the hard work of the school’s board of management, with particular thanks to the chairperson Patricia Wall, whose unwavering commitment to enriching the educational landscape has been pivotal in bringing this vision to life,” said Ms Lennon.
“The dedication of the board has ensured this ambitious project is now a reality. Additionally, the school extends sincere gratitude to deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, whose advocacy and steadfast support throughout the planning process was vital in securing the future of this exciting development.”
