Construction starts on work to transform historic Cork school site into digital hub

Construction work has commenced to revitalise the historic Coláiste Íosagáin site in Baile Mhúirne, with an €8 million transformation underway that will create 200 jobs.

The project will see the old school transformed into a digital hub aimed at fostering economic growth and innovation both in the local community and beyond and will attract increased business to the area.

Developed by Údarás na Gaeltachta, the new Campas Íosagáin on the grounds of the derelict Gaeltacht school will serve as a development hub offering training and development supports for local entrepreneurs, remote workers as well as multinational companies and will be a critical asset for business incubation.

The project is being funded through a grant of €3.3 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, along with €2.7 million from Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund.

Construction and redevelopment work, which is expected to take 15 months, will focus on both renovation and new build, ensuring the elements of the iconic building are preserved.

Welcoming the works, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, said: “The start of the redevelopment of Coláiste Íosagáin is great news, marking a long-awaited boost to the regional economy and rural development in Baile Mhúirne.

“The new digital hub will provide critical infrastructure to support remote working, business growth and enterprise in the heart of our rural communities as well as attracting larger national and multi-national companies.”

Coláiste Íosagáin originally opened in 1940 as a preparatory college and was named after a work by Irish revolutionary Patrick Pearse. The current transformation marks a new chapter for a site steeped in history.

Siobhán Ní Ghadhra, Cathaoirleach (chairperson) of Údarás na Gaeltachta said the transformation ofColáiste Íosagáin into Campas Íosagáin marks “a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable development in the Gaeltacht.”

“This project not only honours our rich cultural heritage but also paves the way for a thriving, modern economy in rural Ireland.

“By creating a space where innovation and tradition can coexist, we are ensuring that our Gaeltacht communities remain vibrant and economically viable for future generations.”