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Extension will allow Beaufort College cater for up to 1,000 students

Nov 17, 2022

Plans for a major extension to Beaufort College in Navan that will allow the school cater for up to 1,000 students, have moved forward with the lodging of the planning application.

Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) is seeking planning permission for additional accommodation including a four-classroom Special Educational Needs Base, seven additional general classrooms, a home economics room which will link in with the existing 2018 extension.

The plans also include a technology hub in a separate building incorporating a technology room, construction studies room, and metalwork/engineering room. The proposal includes a new access road and relocated car park to accommodate 96 cars, as well as 100 bicycle places.

The original single-storey school building just off the Trim Road, dates from the 1980’s and two standalone extensions were added in 2018 – a two-storey classroom extension and a sports hall.

This new extension will enable the school to cater for a future enrolment of 1,000 pupils. Currently the school accommodates 850 pupils.

The design team is working through detailed design and it is hoped to tender for a contractor and have them onsite next summer. Construction will be a 15 month build.

Principal, Mr Ken Flynn said: “We are very excited about this second building programme in recent years, and how the additional facilities will make teaching and learning more enjoyable for all students and staff. The finished project will deliver a modern 1,000 pupil school to meet the growing demand for places.”

He thanked and acknowledged the support of LMETB CEO, Mr Martin O’Brien, and the LMETB Buildings Unit led by Ms Sinead Murphy (above) for progressing and delivering this project for the school.

Head of Land and Buildings LMETB Sinéad Murphy said: “The increase in housing on the Trim Road will only increase the need for additional school places in Navan and LMETB and Beaufort College are ahead of the curve in planning for the future school accommodation needs in this area”.

Meanwhile Beaufort College will host a careers event in the school on 24th November, featuring a range of third level providers and employers who are actively recruiting. It is the first event of its kind to be held in the school and LMETB will host a similar event in Coláiste na Mí, Johnstown. Among those who will attend are Kilsaran Concrete, ESB, Bus Eireann, Instrotec, Dublin Aerospace, and Mercury to name but a few).

The event aims to open new progression pathways for Beaufort College students and is part of a wider college awareness week happening nationwide.

via meathchronicle.ie