Kingscourt College ahead of schedule
The construction of the new Dún an Rí College in Kingscourt is ahead of schedule, according to the Chief Executive of Cavan Monaghan ETB, courtesy of the recent mild weather.
“It is expected to be roofed before Christmas recess, which will enable the inside work such as plastering, dry lining, plumbing and wiring to go full steam ahead irrespective of the weather. We are delighted with the progress, as are the community of Kingscourt,” said the CMETB chief executive, John Kearney, when speaking to The Anglo-Celt at retirement presentations in the Monaghan Institute last Friday.
It will be ready for next September. The temporary college opened with 70 students this year and now close to 100 students have now been enrolled.
Mr Kearney said that the campus will be geared for a school population of 500 students.
“We are confident that we will be exceeding that in view of the confidence in the local community in the excellent teaching standards that the college is delivering,” he said, adding that six students from the college are currently preparing for the Young Scientist competition, which is coming up in the second week in January. “It is a tremendous accolade that in their first year of existence, six projects have made it into the finals,” said Mr Kearney.
The work on the Breifne College extension is also progressing steadily. “We are very happy with it, as it is a more difficult site because of the traffic arrangements. It will be a fantastic addition to Breifne College,” he said.
Second Electrical Apprenticeship
CMETB have just been commissioned by SOLAS to run a second Electrical Electrical Apprenticeship course at the former Army Barracks complex. “This is an acknowledgement at national level of the growing number of apprenticeships and the success we have here at local level in delivering the Electrical Apprenticeship. We are very proud of this achievement,” said Mr Kearney.
St Bricin’s extension
In terms of further infrastructure provision, Mr Kearney said a new extension is earmarked for St Bricin’s in 2017. “Enrolments are increasing very significantly at St Bricin’s under the excellent leadership of Mary Sheridan. The extension is very fitting and much required at this particular time. The new classrooms in practical and specialist areas will certainly enhance the teaching and learning activities of the school and contribute to the delivery of services to the region,” he said.
Mr Kearney said the tender for this project is closing in January, 2017 and he expects the design team to be assembled early in the New Year, with a view to moving that project forward.
The Chief Executive said that two-classroom extension for St Mogue’s in Bawnboy will also be progressed in 2017.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the CMETB, Sean McKiernan, congratulated those retiring and thanked them for their superb service.
Mr Kearney added that it was fitting that these people should be recognised.