€2.6M SPENT ON GOOD COUNSEL EXTENSIONS
WORK has been completed on a dedicated Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unit, a new heating system and a major extension at Good Counsel College, the total cost coming to around €2.6m.
The official opening of the Ostia autistic unit and new technology block is due to take place in October. €1.8m has been spent on building works, while an additional €400,000 to €500,000 has been spenbt on funriture and equipment for the new buildings, which boast state-of-the-art technology.
The 700 sq m building for students who are on the autistic spectrum will provide for all the students needs and the school has been proactive in ensuring they feel integrated into the school.
The unit caters for 12 students. It was built on the large campus in the Bosheen by local builder John Somers, who is also working on two new classrooms and two dedicated rooms.
The Villanova building has been extended by almost 600sqm to enhance the schools’ current offering in technological subjects. The work on this element, which will be complete in September, will complement the existing accommodation and provide additional accommodation for Technology, Design & Communication Graphics and Technical Graphics.
Good Counsel Principal Mark O’Brien said technological subjects are growing in popularity.
The school, which has 840 pupils, is at full capacity.
Mr O’Brien said due to the increase in the number of students doing Transition Year, some 120 in 2017, there are now 420 students in the senior cycle and around the same number in the junior cycle.
‘This has put presure on staff rexources.’
The school has 62 teachers and six S&A’s.
Mr O’Brien said the new schools admission bill will change the criteria for how schools like Good Counsel College enrol students with factors including whether or not applicants had family members attend the school.
The school has applied several times for an extension to replace the prefabs, which were paid for by the Augustinian Order when Fr John Hennebry was principal.
Mr O’Brien said Deputy Paul Kehoe is working on getting funding for the new classrooms, which are occupied by first year students. He said it could take 30 months before they are replaced.