Boost for multi-million euro expansion at St Mary's NS in Athlone

A planned multi-million euro expansion of St Mary's National School in Athlone, which includes the addition of large modular buildings, has moved a step closer to becoming a reality.

Last Friday, the Department of Education confirmed the project was now moving to the delivery stage, meaning a detailed design of the new facilities can be completed and planning permission can be sought.

The project looks set to include the addition of 24 new rooms across two modular buildings that would be installed on part of the playing pitch site between the rear of the school and St Mary's Church.

These modular buildings would incorporate twelve mainstream classes and two special educational needs classrooms, along with a number of special education teaching rooms.

The oldest building at St Mary's NS, which is the building closest to Newtown Terrace, is also due to be reconfigured to include the addition of another two special educational needs classrooms.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent this week, Ailish McManus, the principal of St Mary's NS, said the project was vitally important to the future of the 55-teacher school.

"We are delighted that it has moved to delivery stage. It's of huge importance to the children, the parents, the teaching staff and our town, because it's a significant investment into our education system in Athlone," she said.

"As well as that, we are delighted to welcome the addition of the four special educational needs (SEN) classrooms, because there's currently a huge lack of provision for SEN classes in Athlone, and I'm delighted we'll be in a position to provide those classes going forward.

"This investment will add capacity to cater for the demographic changes that are happening within the town."

Construction consultants KSN are the project managers for the development, which will now proceed to the detailed design and planning stages.

Local Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy said the project would see a major investment in facilities at the school.

"The school is operating under very stringent conditions at the moment. They need additional space, and they need investment in the school in terms of wear and tear over the years," said Deputy Troy.

He said he had arranged for a deputation from the school to meet Education Minister Norma Foley on two occasions in relation to the project.

While he didn't wish to attach a specific timeframe to its delivery, Deputy Troy said he was hopeful the modular element of the project would mean it could be put in place more quickly than a traditional build.

"Planning permission is going to be key. Hopefully that can be turned around relatively quickly, and then the benefit of a modular build is how quickly it can be rolled out," said the TD.

"I don't want to put a timeframe on it other than to say it's being done in a way that it can be rolled out as quickly as possible, and hopefully we can see it in the not-too-distant future."

Ms McManus expressed her gratitude to Deputy Troy for his assistance to date with the project.