New school build for St Ronan’s College

Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education, Dr Mark Browne, accompanied by Archbishop Eamon Martin, have cut the first sod to officially mark the beginning of a new £56million school for St Ronan’s College, Lurgan.

Cutting the first sod are (L to R) Aidan Cassidy, Head Boy; Principal, Fiona Kane; Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education, Dr Mark Browne; Archbishop Eamon Martin and Olivia Murtagh, Head Girl

St Ronan’s College opened in September 2015 following the amalgamation of three post-primary schools in the Lurgan area, St Mary’s High School, St Paul’s Junior High School and St Michael’s Grammar School.

Speaking following the ceremony, Dr Mark Browne said: “I welcomed the opportunity to join with School Governors, Trustees and representatives of the wider St Ronan’s College community as they celebrated the start of the construction phase of their new school.

“This exciting project is the largest, single school build within the Department’s major capital programme providing modern facilities for pupils and staff through significant capital investment of £56million.

“It will bring the school together as one single campus and give everyone involved with the school an opportunity to further build their unique identity and ethos.”

St Ronan’s College has operated on a split since it was established in September 2015. These new works will accommodate up to 1,750 pupils and bring the school together on one single campus on the site of the former St Michael’s Grammar School.

Dr Browne concluded: “I wish pupils, staff and school management every success as they set out on the next phase of their ambitious journey for their school.”

Construction commenced on site in April 2023 with an anticipated completion in Spring 2025.

Notes to editors: 

1. McAdam Design was appointed as the Integrated Consultant Team to take forward the Project Management and Design of the project. Glasgiven Contracts Limited was appointed to carry out the construction works.
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