A permanent school building has been approved for Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge, ending years of reliance on temporary classrooms. The secondary school has operated from prefabricated buildings in Ballygunner since relocating there in 2011.

The approval will allow authorities to demolish the temporary structures currently on the site.

Planned Development

Plans show the demolition of the existing prefabricated campus. This includes 14 classrooms, offices, toilet blocks and an astroturf pitch. Developers will also remove a temporary crèche facility made up of a prefabricated building and outdoor play area. In their place, a new standalone post-primary school building will be constructed. The new school will measure approximately 5,573 square metres. It will include 12 general classrooms along with two special education units.

Modern Facilities for Students

The development will provide a wide range of specialist facilities. Plans include rooms for multimedia, music, textiles, design, graphics, art and engineering. The building will also contain two science laboratories, a construction studies room and a home economics room. Additional facilities will include:
  • A school library
  • Two multi-purpose halls
  • A fitness suite
  • A staff room

New Outdoor Facilities and Access

The project also includes several improvements outside the building. Works will realign the roadside boundary and reconfigure the school entrance. Plans include two gates, a public drop-off area and a dedicated bus stop. A new car park with 48 spaces and 70 bicycle spaces will also be built. Sports facilities will include three ball courts and a new astro-turf pitch.

Planning Permission Granted

The Minister for Education and Youth, submitted the planning application.

Waterford City and County Council granted permission for the development on February 26, with 14 planning conditions attached. The project marks a significant step toward delivering a permanent home for the growing Irish-language secondary school. For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.