Abbeyleix Scoil Mhuire’s primary school building has been approved for a complete overhaul and retrofit.
This work will solve the problems of the leaking roof, sewage smells and involve a full new insulation of the building including a new heating system, new windows and more.
Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyleix has been selected for inclusion in the 2022 Schools Energy Retrofit Pathfinder Programme for works to the original 1980’s blocks.
This pathfinder will see these areas of the school receiving substantial energy upgrading, internal completion refurbishment works and renewable energy systems.
These works will provide a transformation to a modernised, sustainable low energy building for the future including renewable heating system, extensive insulation and external fabric upgrade, new LED lighting and solar Photovoltaic panels and air tightness works.
Minister for State at the Department of Finance, Sean Fleming, welcomed the news.
He said: “We now have a solution to all the major problems of Abbeyleix Scoil Mhuire’s Building.
“I have worked closely with the school staff, Board of Management, parents and students highlighting these problems and the urgent need for refurbishment.
“The staff and students have coped incredibly well attending school with these issues and I look forward to this work fully resolving these problems.
“Work will commence before the second half of next year.
“During the last election I stated that resolving the building problems at Abbeyleix Scoil Mhuire primary school was a key priority of mine and I am very pleased to have delivered on this commitment.”
Fellow Laois TD, Charlie Flanagan, said: “This pathfinder will see these areas of the school receiving substantial energy upgrading, internal completion refurbishment works and renewable energy systems.
“These works will provide a transformation to a modernised, sustainable low energy building for the future including renewable heating system, extensive insulation and external fabric upgrade, new LED lighting and solar Photovoltaic panels and air tightness works.”
While Minister Pippa Hackett added: “Following representations to Minister Foley, I am delighted to receive the news that Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyleix has been selected for inclusion in the 2022 Schools Energy Retrofit Pathfinder Programme for works to the original 1980’s blocks.
“I visited this school in June and the Principal Aidan McEvoy showed me the bad state of repair that the school was in.
“I am thrilled that this is being addressed and the school will benefit from a substantial energy upgrading, internal completion refurbishment works and renewable energy systems.
“These works will provide a transformation to a modernised, sustainable low energy building for the future including renewable heating system, extensive insulation and external fabric upgrade, new LED lighting and solar Photovoltaic panels and air tightness works.
“I commend the whole school team for their perseverance during a difficult time and wish them well with these upgrades.
“Having spoken to Aidan McEvoy this morning – he is delighted to receive this news and said it will go a long way in making Scoil Mhuire a Green School.”
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