Irelands largest primary school opens its doors in Knocklyon

MINISTER Alex White has officially cut the red tape on St Colmcille’s National School in Knocklyon.

The state-of-the-art school serves 1,600 pupils and employs 80 teachers, 23 special needs assistants and 11 ancillary staff. 

 With 58 classrooms, the school is the product of a €14 million Government investment and is Ireland’s largest primary school boasting 12 teaching support rooms, four meeting rooms, two IT rooms, two roof gardens, and two canteens.

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see this magnificent project reach fruition, and to be invited to officially open St Colmcille’s.

 “This initiative has been a priority for me and for the entire community throughout my time as a public representative in Dublin South. It really is fantastic to see this wonderful school up and running and I warmly congratulate the Boards of Management and the many people – including my colleague Minister Jan O’Sullivan – who have helped turn this dream into reality.” 

The new St Colmcille’s school is one of nine major educational investments made in Dublin South since the Government came to office in March 2011.

 Minister White said the Government’s five year schools’ investment programme had seen more than €2 billion spent on school building projects, including a €57 million for replacing prefab units and new classroom accommodation for more than 75,000 pupils across the country. 

St Colmcille’s was officially opened by the minister following a blessing ceremony conducted by Eamonn Walsh, Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin.  

 The event was also addressed by  Lynn Corcoran, Principal of the Senior School, and John Boyle, Principal of the Junior School.

Special guests at the event included members of the Boards of Management, officials of the Department of Education and Skills, public representatives, members of the design and construction teams, and parents representing each of the school’s 55 classes.

Meanwhile, Deputy Olivia Mitchell (FG) has welcomed confirmation that a permanent school building for Stepaside Educate Together national school has finally been acquired.

Speaking during a Dáil topical issue debate, Deputy Mitchell raised the absence of permanent sites for four schools that are planned for Dublin South.

“Stepaside Educate Together national school is currently located in its second temporary location in the constituency since it was opened in 2011,” she said.

“Confirmation by the Minister for Education that a permanent site has finally been acquired is great news for the school’s pupils and staff and will meet the needs of the many young families in the area.

“Management will be informed shortly about the location of the school’s new site,” she added.

“I have asked the Minister for Education to ensure there is a sense of urgency about acquiring a site and making an announcement in that regard so families can plan now where their children will go to school for the next six years.”