Blackwater Community School has announced that Taoiseach Micheál Martin will officially open the school’s newly completed building and sports campus.

The new campus, completed ahead of the 2024/2025 academic year, is the result of years of planning, strong community support, and significant government investment.

The opening ceremony will take place tomorrow (Friday), celebrating the completion of a state-of-the-art educational facility designed to meet the needs of a growing student population.

Established in 2003 through the amalgamation of Lismore CBS, Presentation Convent Lismore, and St Anne’s Secondary School Cappoquin, Blackwater Community School has grown into a leading educational institution serving the West Waterford and East Cork areas.

This new school development represents a multi-million euro investment by the Department of Education, to provide exceptional facilities and classroom space to accommodate the growing student population from 400 students in 2003 to 970 in 2025.

Construction began in 2021, and the project has successfully consolidated the school into a single, cohesive campus, enhancing the overall learning environment for students and staff alike.

Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, commenting before the official opening, said: “I am delighted to be part of Blackwater Community School’s celebrations to mark the opening of these wonderful new facilities, which will mean so much to the school and the wider community. This new building and sports campus are more than just bricks and mortar—they represent our commitment to providing world-class educational and recreational facilities for our young people. I commend the Principal Denis Ring, and everyone involved in bringing this vision to life, and I have no doubt that generations of students will thrive here, both academically and personally.”

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Denis Ring, who has served as Principal since the school’s opening in 2003, said:  “We are deeply honoured to welcome Taoiseach, Micheál Martin to Blackwater Community School. The completion of this new building and sports’ campus reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive and progressive learning environment. It is a proud day for our entire school community.”

The official opening will be attended by student representatives, staff, Trustees, the  Board of Management, the ACCS management body, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, representatives of the religious communities, Principals of Feeder Schools, the Design Team (Butler & Moffat Architects) and the Construction Company (Tom O Brien Construction), as well as officials from the Department of Education, local public representatives, and invited guests from the wider community.

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