Construction work on the new secondary school for Glenamaddy is expected to be contracted out later this week.
The new school, which will cost almost E8m will contain 120 rooms including a recording room, a multi media laboratory and a theatre style lecture room.
The school will be built on the convent pitches, with a gym taking the place of the current school building.
Principal of the school, James Duignan, is hoping to have moved into the new building by early 2006.
“We hope to have moved into the new school by Christmas of 2005 or early 2006. We will be without a gym for a few months but we’ll cope with that. The new school is a massive boost for the town,” he noted.
Despite opposition An Bord Pleanala granted planning permission for the school two years ago. Tenders have been taken; the design and architectural team have met and the construction team to build the school is expected to be announced later this week.
“This week coming should see the name of the contractor announced. A lot of hard work has been done by the Board to get the school; its great news for everyone,” said Mr Duignan.
In Glenamaddy, like a number of other towns, the Sisters of Mercy pioneered education.
Principal Duignan, who attended school in the town, explained the establishment of a school in the town to the Western People. “The Sisters of Mercy cycled out of Tuam and set up Colaiste Seosaimh in 1959; they were phenomenal women,” he added.
2002 saw the Convent in Glenamaddy and Colaiste Seosaimh amalgamate and the 450 students and 40 teachers took up residence in the convent buildings.
This summer saw the last of the Sisters leave the town house in the small town and retire to Tuam. To mark the work and
dedication of the Sisters, the
community held a day of
celebrations on Saturday last.
Pupils and teachers, past and present came together to celebrate Mass with the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary, before biding a fond farewell to the old school.
The new school coupled with a new sewerage system planned for the village is a massive boost for Glenamaddy.
Galway County Council has turned down a number of developments in the town due to a lack of a new sewerage system.
The new school will attract families to the area, while the sewerage system will allow for further development.
“Glenamaddy is on the way up; it’s all great news,” concluded Principal Duignan.