Plans lodged for Virginia College extension

Plans for a major new extension to facilities at Virginia College are to be lodged with Cavan County Council.

Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board is looking to add a new three-storey extension consisting of a new four classroom Special Educational Needs facility and ancillary accommodation, as well as 11 new general classrooms, speciality classrooms and general offices.

The new extension will be linked to the existing post-primary school, and cover a total area of 4538m².

The works will further include the refurbishment and extension of the existing school GP Hall, extending it by 82 sq.m; and allow for the demolition of the existing 1960 school building (1793sq.m) to accommodate two new ball courts, 24 bicycle stands and other associated site works.

Car parking will meanwhile be relocated, with associated bus set down areas, and planning is sought to install 46 photo-voltaic solar panels to the extension roof, and a 26 sq.m ESB Substation will also be built.

A Natura Impact Statement has been completed and is submitted as part of the application by CMETB, who hope to begin construction by summer 2024.

With three extensions built over the years, the most recent opened in 2012 by then Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn, Virginia College’s enrolment now risen to close to 750 students.