School deal done for the Cement Road
LOUTH County Council has completed the purchase of 4.5 acres of land on the Cement Road that will house a new school complex for both St Ita’s on Crushrod Avenue and St Mary’s Special School, Drumcar.
Councillor Paul Bell has expressed his ‘absolute delight’ with the news that the deal has been done, adjacent to the Cement Pitch and Putt Club, having himself initiated the site identification and subsequent negotiations during his term as Caithaoirleach of Louth County Council.
“What a brilliant time for the children, parents and staff of both special schools ending a long search for a site to build a new school in a location that meets all the necessary requirements for a modern facility. It has taken just over two years to complete the purchase which involved Louth County Council, Department of Education and Cement Roadstone. As per normal procedure Louth County Council have purchased the site on behalf of the Department of Education and will now proceed to supervise the development of the site and the construction of the school,’ he stated.
Initial preparation works will commence on the site in the coming weeks with draft school design and preparations for planning permission also commencing. The site will also have to be rezoned. ‘ The rezoning of the site will require the support of the majority of councillors and I am confident the project will receive the necessary support,’ he stated.
Bell again expressed his sincere thanks to the council staff for their efforts in supporting the project, the local Irish Cement senior management team and a special acknowledgement to the com