Saint Eunan’s College staff tell education minister of urgent need for new building 

Teachers from Saint Eunan’s College in Letterkenny have met with the Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee during her visit to Donegal to outline the urgent need for a new school building.

Principal Damien McCroary detailed to the minister the extensive efforts undertaken by the school to secure planning for an extension “that reflects the ambition of our students and the community we serve”.

The meeting took place on Friday during the minister’s visit to Donegal which took in four schools in the country: Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon; Scoil Mhuire, Milford; St Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs; and Niall Mór National School, Killybegs.It was also attended by  Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport Charlie McConalogue TD, Pat the Cope Gallagher TD and Senator Nikki Bradley.

In a statement on social media, the school said it has been on the Adapt (Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering) 2 programme for sometime. 

Teacher Ronan McCole spoke of the challenges caused by the lack of practical rooms. The school was commended on the success of two students who achieved the joint best Construction Studies grades in the country in the 2024 Leaving Certificate, despite the lack of facilities, he said.

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Financial bursar Eilish Masterson, with over 45 years of service to the college, expressed disappointment that across six principalships there has been no progress in funding a new building. She urged the minister to act, reminding her that the young people of Letterkenny and the wider area deserve a school building worthy of their ambition.

Teacher Dawn Costello, representing the student voice, emphasised that students are the largest stakeholders in the school community. She reflected on how the Student Council began campaigning in 2013 for better facilities and has since continued tirelessly, demonstrating ownership, leadership, and resilience. Their voices must not continue to go unheard.

“Saint Eunan’s College is proud of its history and of the students who continue to lead the call for progress. We hope today marks a step towards delivering a school building that matches their potential,” the school said.