News that an application for planning permission for Clarin College, Athenry has been lodged with Galway County Council was welcomed this week by Galway East TD Seán Canney.
The application was submitted to Galway County Council on Thursday, December 21 by the Department of Education and this kick-starts the progression of the new school after many years of delays. The Department of Education envisages that the new secondary school could be delivered for September 2019.
Deputy Canney said that he is delighted to be associated with this project, having had meetings with both the principal and senior staff in the college and the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton TD to highlight the importance of this school for the Athenry catchment area.
“It is anticipated that the project will go to tender in April or May and work should start on site in September 2018, which could mean that, in a best case scenario, the build would be completed in time for September 2019.
“The new college at Newford, Athenry, will be a top-class facility and is of great importance to the people of Athenry and surrounding areas. The project is also crucial because it will clear the way for the development of the Gaelscoil campus in Athenry,” he added.
He also welcomed the fact that real progress is now being made on a range of educational facilities for Athenry, which has a growing young population in its catchment area.
“The facilities as planned are needed to ensure the educational needs of the community are met in the future. I will continue to monitor progress with the Department of Education and Galway County Council to ensure that we try to keep to the timeline as set out,” concluded Deputy Canney.
