There was great news for Newcastle West this week when it was announced that the Department of Education and Skills had sanctioned a €2m extension at Desmond College, Newcastle West.
The development initially approved last year was further enhanced following an overall review of the campus. The new development involves the construction of a new-state-of-the-art single storey extension, comprising a construction studies room/woodwork prep area, offices, resource area and specialist accommodation for pupils with special educational needs. In total, up to 800m² of new teaching spaces will be provided, with associated external works to hard-surface play areas, parking and other works to be undertaken. The overall investment in the Desmond College Campus will be in the region of €2m. The design team, headed by MCOH Architects, are putting the final touches to the design of the extension and it is envisaged that a planning application will be submitted to the local authority in the coming weeks.
The Principal, Vourneen Gavin Barry, said that staff, students and parents were delighted with the new development which will enhance the already state-of-the-art facilities which exist in Desmond College. She said these new facilities would add greatly to the educational experience of each student in the school, and she thanked Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board for their support with this project.