Major extensions for Breifne College and Dún an Rí

The Department of Education has sanctioned major capital extension projects for Breifne College in Cavan Town and Colaiste Dún na Rí in Kingscourt.

The chief executive of the Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) John Kearney confirmed the news yesterday afternoon just as the Celt was going to print.

The Department had been engaging with Mr Kearney on demographic needs to expand schools under the auspices of the local education board.

In a statement the CMETB confirmed: “Arising from these discussions, the Department of Education identifies that there will be significant increased demand in the Cavan School Planning area and has requested Mr Kearney’s approval to increase the long-term permanent enrolment at Breifne College to 1,200 pupils to take effect from September 2021. The current enrolment of Breifne College is 800 pupils.

The Department further accepted the need for additional post-primary provision in the Kingscourt area and has requested Mr Kearney’s approval to increase the long-term permanent enrolment at Coláiste Dún na Rí to 1,000 pupils from September 2021. The college currently has 530 pupils on its rollbook.

“The Department of Education will provide financial support to provide additional accommodation to cater for pupil increases both in terms of interim accommodation and permanent accommodation and is engaging with the chief executive to progress matters,” said the CMETB.

Described it as a "very significant investment for the county, Mr Kearney explained that funding for the capital projects would be forthcoming once the CMETB agrees to the increased enrolments.