A new chapter will unfold in the education history of the Marist College when construction commences on a new school building.
The Department of Education confirmed in recent days that the development of a new school building will take place on an existing site within the grounds of the prominent secondary school, news which was confirmed by local Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Deputy Robert Troy.
“The Department has assessed an application for additional accommodation for the Marist College under the ASA scheme.
“Having assessed the needs of the school and the existing accommodation and school site, it is now being proposed to the patron, trustee and school that the optimum solution for the Marist College would be a new school building on the existing wider school site.
“Department officials will soon engage with the school authorities in this respect,” Deputy Troy stated.
Such a development has been long sought after by the Marist College and the realisation of a new school building in due course will enhance the provision of education within Athlone and the Midlands region.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser on Tuesday, Marist College Deputy Principal, Paul Kelly, noted the milestone occasion and expressed his gratitude to those who have supported the school’s education ambition.
“Almost two years to day that we initially lodged our application, we received news in recent days from the Department of Education that we will be able to proceed with the development of a new school building on our existing site.
“Preparing such an application requires guidance and support and I would like to express my gratitude to Deputy Robert Troy, former Minister of State, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and Cllr Frankie Keena for their contributions to our education aspirations,” Mr Kelly stated.
Currently accommodating 540 students, when construction is completed, it is envisaged that the new school building will cater for 750 boys in a state-of-the-art learning facility.
“The new school building, when complete, will allow us to broaden the curriculum offered to students in Athlone and the Midlands region. Year on year, student numbers attending the Marist College are steadily increasing, so this welcome investment by the Department of Education is a wholly positive development,” Mr Kelly added.
Staff and students will continue their education experience in the current building when construction commences - with a relocation to the new school building when the development project reaches its conclusion.
“Staff and students alike have been boosted my this news and we look forward to future times in a state-of-the-art education facility when construction is completed within the next two to three years,” Mr Kelly concluded.
