Minister to officially open new Holy Family School

News Update

The Minister for Education Norma Foley is in Cootehill this morning for the official opening of the new €13M Holy Family School.

It's a momentous day for the school community. It serves pupils with special education needs across counties Cavan and Monaghan.

The project commenced on site in June 2018. The state-of-the-art, 26-classroom facility was completed late last year following some construction delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The school community had been pushing for a new school since the early 1970s and the file passed through the hands of 10 Ministers for Education before finally getting the green light.

Speaking ahead of the Minister's visit at around 11am this morning, Fianna Fáil TD, Niamh Smyth, congratulated the school's "beautiful students and wonderful staff".

She acknowledged it had been a long and difficult journey to get to this point.

"When I was first elected in 2016, it was the main issue being raised with me on the doors in Cootehill and further afield. Parents and disability groups has been lobbying hard and were knocking on doors for years but to no avail. As an opposition TD at the time, I made sure it was kept to the top of the agenda,” said Deputy Smyth.

"Parents met with me and asked me to advocate for them in Leinster House on this issue. In October 2017 the then Minister for Disabilities Finan McGrath kindly accepted an invitation from my office to visit the school. There he met with parents and staff. He realised the need for a new school and as they say ‘where there’s a will there’s a way',” she continued.

“I’m delighted to share the joy of staff, 183 students and their families as their brand new school is officially opened today. I wish them many happy years in the new Holy Family School,” concluded Deputy Smyth.

The Celt reporter and photographer are in Cootehill this morning.

More to follow.