First sod cut at Coláiste Feirste

Education Minister visits £15.5M project

Education Minister John O’Dowd has cut the first sod on a new extension at Coláiste Feirste.

The £15.5M contract has been awarded to Woodvale Construction, who will provide new teaching facilities as well as a Sports Hall, changing rooms, a gym, synthetic training area, 3G Gaelic Pitch and five courts.

The Minister described works on the school estate as ‘essential’ to providing quality education.

He continued: “Today represents a key milestone for Coláiste Feirste. The Irish medium education sector has been growing steadily over the last number of years. With that growth comes the need for investment and development. This historic school building will benefit from the new facilities and the learning environment will be greatly improved.

“I always enjoy visiting schools and meeting with staff and pupils. It is particularly enjoyable when I am highlighting investment that not only has an impact on the lives of those connected with the school but also provides a boost to the local construction industry.

“I am delighted that I could be here today to celebrate this occasion with you and I wish everyone connected with Coláiste Feirste well for the future.”

The Minister was welcomed to the school by Seán Mistéil, Chairperson of Coláiste Feirste. He said: “Today is a milestone in the development of the school and for Irish medium education in the north, but first and foremost it is about the development of the pupils of Coláiste Feirste.

“This is not just an a major capital investment, it is an investment in the potential of the 600 pupils currently attending the school and the thousands who will continue their educational journey in Coláiste Feirste in the coming years.

“The physical regeneration of Coláiste Feirste will match the excellent progress made by the school in recent years in terms of academic, sporting and cultural achievements. We will have an environment that is fit for purpose and which matches the ambition of the school and wider community. And it is also another building block in the Gaeltacht Quarter which is set to make this area an exemplar across the island and across Europe in terms of community-led and community-centered regeneration.”

 

The post First sod cut at Coláiste Feirste appeared first on UK Construction Online.