Inishowen secondary school students experience cutting-edge construction methods

Around 120 Inishowen students gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge construction technology last week, as the Mount Lucas, LOETB Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) training rig returned to Buncrana.

Senior cycle students from Carndonagh Community School, Crana College, Moville Community College, Coláiste Eoghain and Scoil Mhuire took part in practical demonstrations showcasing modern construction methods and sustainable building techniques.

The initiative was made possible through the efforts of Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP), which has built a strong working relationship with the National Construction Centre.

A similar visit of the rig in January 2024 attracted the same strong level of interest, prompting IDP to bring the unit back.

“The response from schools, students, and the wider construction sector last year was exceptional,” said Ana McColgan, Enterprise and Training Officer with IDP.

“When we contacted Mount Lucas to explore a follow-up visit, they were eager to support us. This partnership allows young people to engage with industry-standard equipment and techniques that bring their classroom learning to life.”

The NZEB training rig gives students hands-on exposure to the materials, skills, and processes required to meet modern energy-efficient building standards. For many students, it was their first opportunity to interact directly with real-world construction technologies.

School leaders praised the initiative. Evelyn O’Loughlin, principal of Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana, said the training was invaluable for her sixth-year pupils.

“With NZEB now a key part of the Leaving Cert Construction Studies syllabus, this experience was invaluable. It deepens students’ understanding of modern building practices and opens their eyes to exciting career pathways,” she said.

Similarly, Crana College headmaster Kevin Cooley highlighted the importance of the visit.

“This initiative gave our senior students a real insight into the construction industry and the opportunities it offers. It’s practical, relevant, and connects classroom learning with real-world applications,” he said.

Maria Folen, Home School Liaison Officer at Scoil Mhuire, also praised IDP for making the visit possible.

"Bringing the NZEB unit to Inishowen gave our students a fantastic opportunity to learn in a hands-on way. I’ve had great feedback from Scoil Mhuire students all week – they really enjoyed the experience and found it hugely beneficial,” she said.

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Gary Duffy, School Completion Officer for South Inishowen, added: “It is a great asset for young people who are most likely to go into the construction sector – hands-on experience right on their doorsteps,” he said.

With such strong engagement from students and schools, IDP hopes to continue its collaborative relationship with Mount Lucas, local schools, and the School Completion Service, and aims to bring the training rig back to Inishowen in early 2026.

“Each visit strengthens students’ understanding of innovative, energy-efficient construction methods,” explained Sinead McDaid, Team Lead for Enterprise Development at IDP. “We’re committed to ensuring even more young people can benefit from this unique learning opportunity.”