Penrose welcomes funding for much-needed infrastructure at St. Columba College, Kilucan.

Labour Deputy for Longford Westmeath, has warmly welcomed the response by the Department of Education and Skills, to his question to the Minister on the funding required to effect major infrastructure and refurbishment, works at St. Columba College, Kilucan, which has a current enrolment of 190 students.

Deputy Penrose said: 

“I have visited the school on a number of occasions, most recently with my colleague Denis Leonard, in early December, to see at first hand the condition of classrooms, dining area, general purpose area, and the absolute requirement for ASD accommodation and science rooms were emphasised by the Principal, Dermot Brady, and his staff. It was also my pleasure to recently visit St. Columba College to present former student Emmanuella Jagha the 2018 Richard O’Carroll Empowerment Bursary.

“I am glad to note that the funding will provide for the ASD unit, a science room and preparation area. There will also be provided for a woodwork room and construction preparation area, a G.P classroom (replacing the old prefab). and a general purpose dining hall, which is essential.

“Indeed the school has an excellent academic record and is a credit to all of the staff involved at all levels, who together with the Board of Management, have consistently and persistent, advocated for the funding for the new facilities together with the upgrading of exiting rooms.

“This announcement is a culmination of a long campaign. I am delighted to have played a role in securing this funding, as I have raised the issue of facilities for St. Columba College a number of times with the Minister of Education.

“It is my hope that the units proposed will proceed as quickly as possible, so as to accommodate all of the parties involved; students, teachers, parents, as well as other staff; providing warm, convenient and efficient accommodation which they thoroughly deserve. I look forward to this important school continuing its progress in making a major contribution to the education of the many pupils it will accommodate in the future.”