Local Minister and Fine Gael TD, Heather Humphreys, has welcomed the announcement that Our Lady’s Secondary School in Castleblayney has received approval from the Department of Education & Skills to move to tender for the construction of a new 13 classroom extension.

The extension comprises of nine general classrooms, two Science labs with preparation areas, an Art room with a project store and preparation areas' well as one other specialist room.

Speaking this week, Minister Humphreys said:

“I am delighted to have received confirmation that Our Lady’s Secondary School can finally move to the tendering process for construction of their very exciting new extension.

“This is fantastic news for the entire community, and I hope to see work commence on the ground as soon as possible, which is what every parent, pupil and teacher at Our Lady’s Secondary School wants to see happen also.

“I’d like to thank the Board of Management, the principal Eddie Kelly and his team for their vision and commitment to their students. The addition of these state-of-the-art facilities will ensure that the students receive the best possible education”.

Meanwhile, Lady’s Secondary School Principal, Eddie Kelly said:

“We are delighted to be at a stage where we can move to the tendering for construction of our new extension and be one step closer to beginning work on the project.

“This is a very exciting time for our school, and I want to acknowledge the hard work and efforts of the Design Team and the Board of Management to date.

“The extension will be a fantastic addition to our state of the art facilities as we continue to strive to provide the people of Castleblayney and the surrounding areas with a top class educational experience in an up to date, modern and progressive learning environment.”

The chairperson of the Board of Management at Our Lady’s, Dr Gary Carville, also welcomed the news, adding:

“The progress with the extension was a very positive sign of the contribution that the school is making presently and of its future potential.

“In 2021-22, we will celebrate the 50thanniversary of the founding of Our Lady’s Secondary School in 1971. What better way to mark that historic event than to prepare for the future by adding further to the top-class facilities and opportunities already in place and we are one step closer to making that happen.

“I commend the energy, vision and effort that the Board of Management and Senior Management Team have put into the process to date and we look forward to continued progress in the coming months”.

Local Fine Gael Councillor Aidan Campbell said:

“I’m delighted to see the school move to the next phase and I’m looking forward to seeing work commence on the ground.

“It was great to see 6th year pupils return to Our Lady’s this week and hopefully the school will be back to full capacity in the very near future when it’s safe to do so.

“It has been a difficult time for students, parents and teachers and hopefully we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

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