Major news for Tipp school
Thurles TD Jackie Cahill has today confirmed major progress on his work to secure State investment in Coláiste Mhuire, Thurles.
The Department of Education has recognised the growing needs of the Thurles secondary school and has approved the school with a base figure of 750 enrolments with an addition of 30 rooms for the school.
Deputy Cahill has welcomed this progress but has cautioned that the Department must considered the feasibility of development on the existing site in comparison with a brand-new school on a green field site.
Speaking on this today, the Fianna Fáil TD said: “I am pleased to confirm that the Department of Education have finally recognised the needs of Coláiste Mhuire, Thurles, which is growing in both student numbers and popularity locally over the last number of years.
“Under very strong management, Coláiste Mhuire has seen its enrolment numbers increase massively in recent years. With this incredible success has come the need for more space, more buildings and better facilities. On top of this, the school has also faced significant challenges in relation to the condition of the current buildings on the campus.
“The base figure of 750 students combined with the recognition of the need for 30 extra rooms proves that the Department is listening to our calls for major investment for Coláiste Mhuire.
“However, the Department must now considered their position in relation to the location of the school. The current site is too small for major development works and would leave the green space around the school very tight for a growing student body. In comparison with this, we have a green field site on the Mary Immaculate campus that is capable of facilitating a brand-new secondary school for the town.
“The co-location of a secondary school and teacher training college on one campus is recommended best practice but it is a policy that we are yet to adopt here in Ireland. With Mary Immaculate College now going from strength to strength and with their student numbers increasing year-on-year, now is the time to plan for the future and co-locate these two educational institutions side by side.
“The first intake of Home Economics students is commencing on September 18th on the St Patrick’s Campus, and with that comes major potential for future educational options in Thurles. I am delighted to have worked to secure this course for Thurles.
“With all of these positive advancements in education in Thurles, it is now time for the Department of Education to look at the green field site on the Mary Immaculate Campus as the best and most obvious option for a brand new school for Coláiste Mhuire. The Department of Education have finally recognised the needs of the school and have committed to a multi-million euro investment in the school but now we must ensure that that investment is best placed for generations of Thurles students to come.”