(Ireland) Longford: New post primary school planned; six SPED classrooms
- The end of childhood
- Dec 11
- 2 min read
Dec 7, 2025, Longford Leader: Large scale capital project approved for local Longford school
The amalgamation of St Mel's College and Meán Scoil Mhuire in Longford town took a giant leap forward on Friday as the Department of Education confirmed to local Oireachtas members that the Government would be supporting the development of a major school capital project under the Large Scale Capital Programme.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in the amalgamation journey of the schools, with plans for a new 1,200-pupil post-primary school, six Special Education Needs (SEN) classrooms, a major new extension on the St Mel’s College site and refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing buildings.
Longford Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy, who said it will be delivered through the Major Devolved programme, stated, "This is one of the most important education investments ever announced for Longford. . . .
"The Dept of Education has approved the development of a 1,200 pupil school and additional SEN classrooms. The brief for the project includes the construction of a large extension at St Mel’s College and the refurbishment and reconfiguration of some existing school accommodation.
"The project approval is to be welcomed and is timely as the two schools works towards a phased amalgamation from September 2027."
The board of management of St Mel's College sought planning permission in early-October to conserve and upgrade the 160 year old school building, its chapel, and its 110 year old study hall - all protected structures - as plans are set in motion to accommodate the 2027 amalgamation of St Mel's with Meán Scoil Mhuire.
St Mel's, which currently has 603 pupils, will see its student population increase to approximately 1,200 once the amalgamation is complete and it becomes known as Coláiste Mel agus Mhuire. . . .
Comments