Work has finally begun on the long-awaited renovation project for Knockbeg College, bringing to an end an almost two decade saga.
The recently appointed developers Mythen Construction, who last year completed a big development at Carlow IT, have arrived on site and are currently erecting fences to secure the site and their compound.
They hope to begin dismantling the gym on Monday.
“This is a very exciting time for us as you will naturally understand,” school principal Mike Carew said.
It is now hoped that the work will be completed over an 18 month period, and should be ready for students returning in September 2019.
Stages
The significant construction project will be carried out in three different stages.
The removal of the gym, old science lab and some other small buildings will allow for the building of the new section of the school first.
This will be handed over for use, while renovation is then carried out on the existing school.
“What we are talking about is a modern building, but in an old style, and obviously fit for purpose,” Mr Carew said.
“Logically, we have to keep the school open and this is not just about the students who are sitting their Leaving Cert, but also the new students coming in,” he said.
“It is hugely significant to have the builders on site. The finishing line is now most certainly in sight,” he said.
Mr Carew paid tribute to the staff of the school who have continued to provide such a high standard of education in buildings which have seen better days.
While there will undoubtedly be some disruption while building work is ongoing, Mr Carew said they are determined that this will be kept to a minimum.
“We have students who come from anything up to 40 miles away because of the brand that is Knockbeg College and the wonderful education that is provided here,” he said.
He paid tribute to former student, Minister Charlie Flanagan, who has kept him briefed on developments along the way.
“I got a phone call from Minister Flanagan on the night the budget was passed to tell me that we would be getting a letter to go to tender,” he said.
Contracts
With first contracts drawn up for the school redevelopment 19 years, all at the school are relieved that there is now tangible signs on the ground that work is underway in earnest.
Formal tender documents will be signed on Friday and demolition of the gym will then begin next week.
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