New era begins for Scoil Íosagáin with sod turning ceremony

The Scoil Íosagáin community was buzzing with celebrations today at the turning of the sod for a new school building.

The long-awaited new school has been in the pipeline for many years.

The sod was officially turned this morning by His Lordship and Patron of the school, Bishop Donal McKeown, together with Fr. Bradley, Fr. Walsh, members of the Board of Management, representatives from the design team and contractors Boyle Construction.

A spokesperson for the school praised the choir which sang beautifully and the Student Council that represented the school with great respect.

“Thanks to all who joined us on this historic occasion, including parents, parishoners, teachers from neighbouring schools, retired colleagues and elected representatives,” they said.

“A special thanks to Mary Coyle and Noeleen Galbraith, two of the oldest past pupils of the Sacred Heart school, for coming along and making the occasion even more special. Today marks the beginning of a new era for our school. Thank God,” the spokesperson said.

The new school building will involve the demolition of the existing Sacred Heart and St Columba’s School buildings, the relocation and removal of temporary buildings, and the construction of a new two-storey 25 classroom primary school incorporating eight classrooms for special needs. The new building of 6,335 square metres will be constructed in two phases. The third phase will involve the construction of three hardball courts, car parking and associated siteworks.

Donegal minister, Charlie McConalogue said he is delighted that construction is now underway.

“It’s great news for the staff and pupils of the school, for the parents’ association, the board of management, and for the school principal, Sinéad McLaughlin,” Minister McConalogue said.

“So many people have played a part in getting the new building to this stage. It’s an exciting development for the town of Buncrana which will benefit generations of pupils when it’s completed,” he added.

The Department of Education greenlit the construction of a new school building at Scoil Íosagáin last month.

“Making sure a new school was delivered for Scoil Íosagáin has been a priority for me since I was elected. I’d like to acknowledge the help and support of my cabinet colleague, Norma Foley and her team at the Department of Education with this project,” Minister McConalogue added.

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