I have more good news for Tuam with the investment of €4.3 million in a new special needs school for St Oliver’s School.
I have been informed by officials in the Department of Education that they have instructed the design team to issue the acceptance letter to the preferred building contractor. This letter of acceptance puts the contract in place for the construction of the new school.
The €4.3 million project is expected to commence on site by the end of June with a construction period of 18 months.
The school will be located at The Glebe, Tuam and will have a floor area of 2,221 sq metres. Tuam will have a first class modern educational facility when the project is complete.
The €4.3 million is an important investment in special education in Tuam. It also follows on from other investments in education in Tuam.
Tuam now has a new Gaelscoil National School and Phase 1 of the Archbishop McHale Collage is open.
The planned merger of the three national schools in the town is progressing with a new 32-classroom school being developed.
Educate Together National School will also have a permanent home as part of this plan.
Tuam has seen upgrades to other schools within the town over the recent past.
St Oliver’s National School is vital in terms of special needs education in Tuam. Presently the school has 31 students enrolled.
I want to acknowledge the dedication of the School Principal, staff, Board of Management and parents in making sure Tuam and St Oliver’s have the best facilities available.
I also want to acknowledge the support of the Department of Education and the interest shown by Minister Joe McHugh with whom I have liaised with on this project.