Cork school secures department approval for significant extension 

Gaelcholáiste Mhuire on Cork’s northside has received approval from the Department of Education for its school extension and has moved to appoint a building contractor for the project.

Described as one the first major educational investments in more than 40 years on the northside, the development will allow the school to further broaden its curriculum for students by enabling it to introduce new subjects.

The development will provide 25 new classrooms comprising 15 general classrooms, three multimedia rooms, two additional science laboratories, a new library, a new art room, two new design and communication graphics rooms, and a new technology room.

There will also be a new canteen facility which will double as a social space for students, two special education classes and associated support rooms, a new main office and a new main entrance.

Welcoming the granting of approval to tender for the appointment of a main contractor, principal Dónal Ó Buachalla, said: “These state-of-the-art facilities will further enhance the provision for students and further broaden the curriculum on offer.

“This project will enhance further the excellent facilities in Gaelcholáiste Mhuire A.G. and will provide for the growing demand for the provision of oideachas tríd Ghaeilge in the northside of Cork city and surrounding area.” 

Mr Ó Buachalla described the move by the Department of Education as a major vote of confidence in both the school, which has grown its student population from 350 in 2010 to almost 700 in the current school year, and the surrounding northside community.

Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy and Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke said he and councillor Damian Boylan are “delighted” to see the project receive approval to go to tender stage.

“The Mon and the A.G. are not alone an educational institution but a huge part of the fabric and history of the northside,” he said.

“This much-needed expansion will allow more children in the Northside to continue this proud tradition and complete their studies as Gaeilge - mar a deir an seanfhocal: mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí.” 

Fianna Fáil councillor for Cork City North West and past pupil Tony Fitzgerald described the move as “a further endorsement of the school's reputation as an educational centre of excellence”.

“I applaud the work of the board of management and its school principal Dónal Ó Buachalla for their vision and commitment to the needs of the pupils,” he said.