Multi-million euro school development in Letterkenny gets planning approval

Planning permission has been granted by Donegal Co. Council for a major multi-million euro development that will completely transform one of the county’s best known secondary schools.

St. Eunan’s College in Letterkenny is set to get a massive new two-storey 7,704m2 extension. According to the plans that were submitted last year, it is propsoed to construct up to 37 general classrooms, 20 specialist teaching rooms, two special needs classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, staff room, offices, kitchen and general purpose room.

In order to facilitate this, it is envisaged that all existing temporary buildings, the sports hall and the teaching block built in 1979 will be demolished.

However, the council has attached 21 conditions in relation to the planning permission.

The project also includes the refurbishment of the existing 3,200m2 protected three-storey 1906 castle building and all associated site works.

The proposals also include new drop-off zones, 88 additional parking spaces, and six new ball courts, as well as extensive landscaping.

Plans have been in the pipeline for many years, and a public consultation process was held before the latest plans were submitted last June. Further details were supplied in August.

The school authorities have been trying for many years to modernise the school, but have been hit by numerous delays and issues.

Since 1999, there have been more than a dozen plans to develop the college with a view to having modern new classrooms for around 900 pupils.

Back in 2012, plans for a development of a similar size were halted after An Bord Pleanala refused permission for the development to go ahead.