Sod turned on new Scoil Íosagáin in Buncrana

The sod has been turned on the construction of the new school for Scoil Íosagáin in Buncrana.

The final go-ahead for the long-awaited project was given by the Department of Education last month after planning permission had been granted last May for a second time. 

The Bishop of Derry and patron of the school, Donal McKeown, performed the turning of the sod ceremony on Monday.

The new school building will involve the demolition of the existing Sacred Heart and St Columba’s School buildings, the relocation and removal of temporary buildings, and the construction of a new two-storey 25-classroom primary school incorporating eight classrooms for special needs.

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The new building of 6,335 square metres will be constructed in two phases. The third phase will involve the construction of three hardball courts, car parking and associated siteworks.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Buncrana clergy Fr Francis Bradley and Fr John Walsh, members of the board of management, representatives from the design team and contractors, Boyle Construction, as well as parents, teachers from neighbouring schools, retired staff and elected representatives.

Agriculture minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue hailed the events as “a momentous occasion”.

“This new school has been in the pipeline for many years, and I am delighted that construction is now underway. It’s great news for the staff and pupils of the school, for the parents’ association, the board of management, and for the school principal, Sinéad McLaughlin,” he said.