Moville Community College opens doors to landmark €20 million extension

Staff and students at Moville Community College have begun an exciting new chapter this week after moving into a magnificent new €20 million extension that will transform teaching, learning and school life for decades to come.
The state-of-the-art building opened to pupils and staff for the first time on Thursday, 7 January, marking the largest expansion in the school’s history since it first welcomed students in 2001.
Moville Community College opened almost a quarter of a century ago with 95 first-year students and nine teachers, with its first Leaving Certificate class sitting their exams in 2005. Today, the school has grown to encompass 651 students and 80 members of staff.
The new extension, which covers more than 5,000 square metres, includes ten general classrooms, eight specialist teaching rooms, a large-scale PE hall and fitness suite, a special needs suite, a staff room, a canteen area and a library.
Construction began in the summer of 2023, following the project being green-lighted by the Department of Education in 2016, and represents one of the most significant investments in education infrastructure in the Moville area.
Principal Caroline Doherty described Thursday’s move into the new building as a landmark moment for the entire school community.
“It marked a hugely significant milestone for our entire school community and was a very exciting day for all our students and staff,” Ms Doherty, who succeeded Anthony Doogan as principal in 2023, said. “It has been wonderful to welcome our students into this bright, modern building and see them settle into their new classrooms and learning spaces.
“The reaction from our students was amazing to see. There was a real sense of excitement and curiosity, and they were blown away by how great it is.
“It offers outstanding facilities that will support high-quality teaching and learning and enhance the everyday learning experience for all our students.
“The large-scale PE hall and fitness suite will support a wide range of sports activities and will provide many more opportunities for our students to get active.”

Photos: Moville Community College's 2025 formal

While the new extension is now fully operational, work on the overall project is set to continue over the coming months as it enters phase two.
This next stage will involve the demolition of the lower building, the widening of the school entrance, and the construction of new hard-court playing areas and parking bays, further enhancing access and facilities for students, staff and visitors.
Now substantially completed, the development provides Moville Community College with a modern, spacious and well-equipped campus that reflects the school’s growth and its central role in the educational life of the town and its hinterland.