NEW YEAR START ON COLAISTE SITE

Work on the long-delayed Colaiste Chu Chulainn school at the Marshes in Dundalk is to begin in the New Year, Fine Gael TD Peter Fitzpatrick has confirmed.

The news is a welcome boost for the project, which has been mired in delay. At November’s meeting of Louth County Council, concerns were raised that the Department of Education might remove the contract, for developing the post primary school in Dundalk, from the council because of the delays around getting work at the site started.

The school, which is being constructed by the Louth Meath Education and Training Board, (LMETB) awaits major work, despite the fact that a school in Drogheda given permission at the same time, is now completed.

Mr Fitzpatrick welcomed confirmation that construction work is to begin in the New Year on the new school for Coláiste Chú Chulainn in Dundalk.

He said: ‘ The Department of Education has confirmed to me that this key building project is progressing. It is expected that the Letter of Acceptance for the lowest tender will be issued this week, which will allow the builder to be on site early in the New Year. ‘ The new Coláiste Chú Chulainn building is a hugely important project and these developments are great news for parents and children in the area. It is also good news for the local economy.

‘ The new school will cater for 1,000 students and facilities planned include a fully stocked library, a guidance suite, a multimedia learning laboratory, a tiered lecture theatre, a large canteen, a special needs suite, a full-sized gym, a fitness suite, play areas and a football field.

‘I can assure everyone in Dundalk that I will be keeping a close eye on this project and ensuring it progresses as speedily as possible’.