Construction of long-awaited Moate CS extension due to begin in 2022 or 2023

Education Minister Norma Foley has confirmed that 20 school building projects which are being managed and delivered by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), including a long-awaited extension to Moate Community School, are due to progress to tender and construction through 2022 and 2023.

The Moate project includes a four-classroom Special Education Needs unit and is designed to help accommodate a projected growth in enrolment to 1,000 students, from the current student population of around 850.

Moate has been included in a bundle of seven school developments - named 'Project Dargle' - which also includes extension and refurbishment works at two other Westmeath schools, St Joseph's in Rochfortbridge and Castlepollard Community College, along with four schools in Wicklow.

Moate CS principal Tom Lowry told the Westmeath Independent that the school was working closely with the NDFA, and that it visited the school site as recently as yesterday (Thursday).

"They are consulting with us on a regular basis, so I'm very impressed with their level of engagement so far," said Mr Lowry.

"The NDFA are managing this new building (process) and, as far as I can see, they're doing a really good job.

"Our design team has already been appointed, which is AECOM Ireland. They're looking at the whole area of analysing the site, and they'll also have to deal with planning, and consulting with the Department."

It's provisionally anticipated that the Moate project will involve the refurbishment of some 4,798 square metres of the school, along with a newly-built 4,287 sq m extension.

Minister Foley said the school building projects being managed by the NDFA would deliver in excess of 14,000 permanent school places (additional and replacement places), which includes over 50 special classes.

"The rollout of these projects to tender and construction is an important aspect of the Department's overall delivery under the Government's National Development Plan 2021 to 2030.

"They will assist in delivering on the provision of modern and sustainable infrastructure for the schools sector," commented the Minister.