New 3 Storey State Of The Art School Greenlit For Blessington Community College.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has welcomed news of planning permission being received for new 1,000 pupil state of the art school.

• The growth in population in Wicklow has to be matched by the number of available school places and by the community’s infrastructural needs, Taoiseach Simon Harris said.

• The works will involve the demolition of the existing school buildings and the removal of existing prefabricated temporary accommodation on the site, to allow for the construction of a new 3-storey 1,000 pupil post-primary school comprising teaching spaces, ancillary spaces, physical education hall facility, special education needs suite, general purpose hall, social areas, library, administration areas, toilet and changing facilities, external stores, and associated ancillary accommodation.

• 704 students currently attend the school, a 100 per cent increase since 2013.

Speaking today, Taoiseach Simon Harris said:

“After working very closely with the school, families across Blessington, the Board of Management, KWETB and the Parents Council I am really delighted Blessington Community College has received a green light for the new 3 storey state of the art school which will cater for 1,000 children.

“This news will come as a huge relief to so many families.

“The new state of the art school will meet the highest standards of educational requirements in the country and will be of incredible benefit to the local community.

“In Wicklow we have had challenges with school places shortages, but I am truly delighted that this new school building has received planning permission.

“This new build will go a long way in solving some of the issues faced by families with school shortages.

“As Taoiseach and as a representative for Wicklow I am conscious we need to match the growth in population with the development of educational infrastructure.  

“The community has worked so hard in getting this over the line so a huge credit is due to all involved.

“The school principal and school staff have believed in this project for so long and have made a huge difference to hundreds of families in the area.

“My focus on the educational needs of children of Wicklow is never ending and I will continue to pursue all school building projects in County Wicklow so that families no longer have to deal with the stress of school shortages.