Large extension approved for new SEN building at Carndonagh Community School

Inishowen's biggest secondary school has been given the green light for a major new extension aimed at enhancing facilities for students with additional educational needs.

The project at Carndonagh Community School will see the development of a new detached Special Education Needs (SEN) building, complete with a sensory garden and a soft play area, all enclosed with perimeter guarding. The development is being constructed in response to a significant increase in student enrolment in recent years.

The application, lodged by school principal John McGuinness, also included plans for the conversion of an existing store into a new access link, incorporating an external door to connect the current school building with the proposed SEN facility.

In addition, the planning authority granted permission for extra car parking spaces, connections to existing foul and surface water drainage systems, and a range of associated site works within the school grounds. These works include retaining walls, new lighting, and other necessary infrastructure. 

Donegal County Council approved the development subject to 10 conditions. Among the conditions are strict surface water management requirements. No surface water from the site will be permitted to discharge onto the public road, and measures must be taken to ensure that no public road water discharges onto the school grounds. Storm and surface water must also be piped to existing on-site services.

Given the archaeological sensitivity of the area, the council has also required that a suitably qualified archaeologist be engaged to monitor all ground works. No sub-surface works may take place without the archaeologist’s consent, and all monitoring must be licensed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 

Should any archaeological material be uncovered, works must cease in the affected area pending further investigation and direction from the Department. A detailed report on the monitoring process must be submitted on completion of the project.

Additional conditions stipulate that car parking areas be clearly marked using thermoplastic road marking materials, with designated disabled bays, and that roadways and paved areas be adequately drained to prevent the presence of standing water. 

The council further specified that potable water supply and wastewater disposal must connect to the public watermains, in accordance with details submitted as part of the planning application.

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Principal John McGuinness outlined in the cover letter as part of the application that the proposed facility will provide an environment that aligns with the current standards set by the Department of Education and Youth for the education and care of children with additional special educational needs. 

“The new building has been a long-term objective of the school, and its delivery will enable us to support, educate, and care for the children in our community who require enhanced specialist provision.”