Bush school to be extended
Approval has been given for a major new extension and refurbishment at Bush Post-Primary School.
The news was announced by Martin O’Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB, who said it was was one of several very significant developments which are being managed through LMETB’s Land and Buildings Department.
The project includes a new 3,140 square meter two-storey extension totalling , comprising a new entrance and general-purpose area providing a new identity for the school. The new entrance will be located directly off a new landscaped entry plaza beside a drop off zone to the front of the school. The additional accommodation will include science labs, art room, home economics room, classrooms, library, computer rooms, catering facilities, student social areas and a special needs unit, replacing existing temporary accommodation on the school site.
The new state of the art extension and refurbishment will ‘ bring a new lease of life to the Cooley school’, according to Sinead Murphy, Head of LMETB’s Land and Building Department.
Mr O’Brien, a former principal at Bush Post Primary School, recalled the work which had been involved in obtaining funding for the construction of
the all-weather running track, community IT, meeting and leisure facilities. These projects together with the introduction of several new programs and the recruitment of new staff empowered Bush Post Primary School increase enrolment from 306 students in 2000 to its present level.
Principal of Bush Post Primary School, Mr. Kevin Joyce, is delighted at this development of Bush Post Primary School as an integral part of the local community, and looks forward to the opportunity to teach in the newly extended and refurbished school.
Cllr. Antóin Watters said staff, students, and the whole community were overjoyed to hear the announcement that construction of the extension and refurbishment will be going to tender shortly. He recounted
many happy days there as a student and said this development will give the people of Cooley an incredible boost amidst the everyday difficulties of living with the restrictions.
The school will remain operational during the construction phase and the works will be completed on a phased basis.
The site works will include a new drop off zone, with designated staff and visitor parking, new ball courts and a new courtyard linking the existing building to the new extension.
Mr O’ Brien added that next year Bush will grow to 725 student. ‘ This was very satisfying in the context of where Bush had commenced from and a testament to all staff past and present who had served their community and LMETB so well over the years.’