Update on plans for new Limerick secondary school building

PLANS for a brand new school building for Ardscoil Mhuire in Corbally have moved a step closer this week.

It comes after the 650-student all-girl school’s board of management formally announced their intention to seek planning permission for the multi-million euro development.

This will see the existing single-storey building at College Park demolished.

In its place will be a new building rising up two storeys in some places, four storeys in others.

The development will include a new special educational unit, a PE hall, hard play court areas and grass play areas.

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While construction is going on, it’s expected students will move to temporary accommodation in Sir Harry’s Mall in the city centre.

Up to last year, this was home to Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh, which itself has moved to a brand new premises in Clare Street.

Ardscoil Mhuire principal Brid Herbert, an alumni of the school herself, described the new building as “the icing on the cake”.

“Like myself, all the teachers in the school are really passionate about ensuring the students reach their full potential. It’s a fabulous school. Now we will have state-of-the-art facilities. It’s a huge acknowledgement for all the work our teachers have put into the school over the last number of years,” Ms Herbert said.

She added the new build will bring the school “to a different level”.

“We have everything in the school. The students are really well-looked after to reach their full potential academically and personally. But I suppose having these new high-tech top-of-the-range facilities brings it to the next level,” said the principal.

She explained how there will be a new tech-graphic suite, new science facilities, plus a gym.

Local Labour councillor Conor Sheehan has welcomed the planning application.

“It’s fantastic news. This has been in train for a while. I am really delighted by it. It’s a fantastic school and we are so lucky to have it in Corbally. It’s such a vote of confidence in the management and community they have got this investment over the line,” he said.

Cllr Sheehan paid tribute to Ms Herbert for the work she has done at Ardscoil Mhuire since taking up the headship two years ago.