Laois primary school to expand a decade after opening

Expansion is in the pipeline for St Colman's National School in Stradbally just over a decade after the school opened.

Laois Offaly TD and Minister of State in the Department of Finance  Seán Fleming confirmed that funding has been approved for an expansion project.

He said the green light given by the Minister for Education Norma Foley will allow the construction of a new mainstream classroom with en-suite toilets.

"This is great news for the staff, students and school community at St. Colemans NS," said the Fianna Fáil TD.

He continued: "I compliment the Board of Management, Principal and all involved in this very busy school on their successful application. These new works will further enhance the education facilities available".

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The TD added that the Department of Education has given responsibility for the construction and completion of this project directly to the school. Minister Fleming said this would allow them to proceed without delay to progress this new extension.

"I look forward to this project getting underway so the new classroom will be available to students as soon possible," he said.

Minister Fleming added that no funding figure can be given in advance of project going to tender. 

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The school is also in the process of building an all weather sports and play facility. The school raised nearly €100,000 for this thanks to a Lip Sync held just before the pandemic in February 2020.

St Colman’s opened in 2010 when Scoil Aonghusa and Stradbally BNS merged. There are more than 250 pupils enrolled with 15 teachers, four Special Needs Assistants and one school secretary.