Funding boost confirmed for Mayo school

The Department of Education have confirmed that they are to make a major investment in a Ballina secondary school, providing new classrooms, an extension and refurbishments.

In addition to refurbishing key areas of St Muredach’s College, Ballina, the investment of €8.5 million will provide two new woodwork rooms, one home economics room, one art room, new WCs, a universal access WC and two special educational needs (SEN) base units.

In additional, two existing woodwork classrooms will be reconfigured to create a dedicated music room and an additional mainstream classroom.

Funding for this project is being provided under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme through the Department of Education.

Principal Wayne Walsh extended his thanks to the Board of Management, the Parents Association, students and staff for their support in this project.

“Together, we are building an even brighter future for our students and the Ballina community. St Muredach’s College is proud to shine brightly as a true Beacon of Excellence in Education.”

“The upgrades will greatly enrich learning and teaching by creating spaces to support hands-on, diverse, and inclusive education for all our students.”

Minister of State and Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary, a past pupil of St Muredach’s, was delighted to be able to confirm this extension and refurbishment project for his alma mater.

“I want to congratulate principal Wayne Walsh and the fantastic staff, the Board Of Management, Parents Council and all the students.

There is more to be done. This is only the start and I will be working closely with all involved to finish it,” he said.

Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon said the school has been waiting for this sort of upgrade for a long time.

“This is significant progress in a project that the school have been waiting on for some time.

"I want to wish them the best of luck with this project going forward and have no doubt it will be a welcome addition to the school community.”