O’Dowd cuts the first sod on a £15.5million extension at Coláiste Feirste

Education Minister John O’Dowd has cut the first sod on a new extension at Coláiste Feirste. The capital works project worth £15.5million will provide new teaching facilities as well as a Sports Hall, changing rooms, a gym, synthetic training area, 3G Gaelic Pitch and five courts.

Education Minister John O’Dowd has cut the first sod on a new extension at Coláiste Feirste. The capital works project worth £15.5million will provide new teaching facilities as well as a Sports Hall, changing rooms, a gym, synthetic training area, 3G Gaelic Pitch and five courts.

The Minister said: “Today represents a key milestone for Coláiste Feirste. The Irish medium education sector has been growing steadily over the last number of years. With that growth comes the need for investment and development. This historic school building will benefit from the new facilities and the learning environment will be greatly improved.

“Ongoing investment in our schools estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a quality education.

“I always enjoy visiting schools and meeting with staff and pupils. It is particularly enjoyable when I am highlighting investment that not only has an impact on the lives of those connected with the school but also provides a boost to the local construction industry.

“I am delighted that I could be here today to celebrate this occasion with you and I wish everyone connected with Coláiste Feirste well for the future.”

Seán Mistéil, Chairperson of Coláiste Feirste welcomed the Minister to the school. He said:

“Today is a milestone in the development of the school and for Irish medium education in the north, but first and foremost it is about the development of the pupils of Coláiste Feirste.

“This is not just an a major capital investment, it is an investment in the potential of the 600 pupils currently attending the school and the thousands who will continue their educational journey in Coláiste Feirste in the coming years.

“The physical regeneration of Coláiste Feirste will match the excellent progress made by the school in recent years in terms of academic, sporting and cultural achievements. We will have an environment that is fit for purpose and which matches the ambition of the school and wider community. And it is also another building block in the Gaeltacht Quarter which is set to make this area an exemplar across the island and across Europe in terms of community-led and community-centered regeneration.”

Notes to editors: 

1.      Woodvale Construction are the contractors for the project.

2.      The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.

3.      See photos from the Department of Education in our flickr collection.

4.      Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

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