New school building for north Cork village is ‘beginning of a new chapter’

Helen McEntee, minister for education and youth, has opened Dromahane NS's new building outside Mallow, describing it as the culmination of years of education, collaboration, and commitment from the entire school community.

“This is not just the opening of a new building, but the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of children, families, and educators who will shape its story,” Ms McEntee said.

“Dromahane National School has evolved greatly since its first opening in 1996. It was, and remains, an integral part of a vibrant community.

“It has a strong tradition of nurturing the holistic development of all pupils.” 

Ms McEntee described the journey to the opening of the new school as “filled with challenges and triumphs” and she praised the local community for all of their perseverance.

“From the initial planning stages to the construction phase and now the official opening, the school community’s unwavering commitment has ensured a nurturing and inspiring environment for pupils,” she said.

“I am deeply appreciative of the huge amount of work and effort that took place over the past number of years.

“This work helped create a school building that meets 21st-century educational needs. Its design and learning spaces will support learning for current and future students.” 

Ms McEntee extended her sincere thanks to Dromohane school principal Denis Murray, deputy principal Norma Ryan and to Denis Kelly, the chairperson of the board of management, for their invitation to attend the school opening.

Ms McEntee said the new building reflected the continued investment by the department in building projects.

She noted that, since 2020, the Department of Education and Youth has invested more than €730m supporting the completion of 170 school building projects in Cork, with a further 48 currently in construction.

Across the country, she added, the department has invested more than €6bn in school building projects across the country since 2020.

This included the completion of more than 1,400 projects and more than 400 school building projects currently underway, involving 40 new school buildings.

Cutting the ribbon alongside the Bishop of Cloyne, Dr William Crean, Ms McEntee said it was her great honour to officially open Dromahane National School.

“May it be a place of joy, learning, friendship and endless possibility,” she said.