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New Gaelcholáiste Secondary School For Tralee Moves A Step Closer

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Moira Murrell (Chief Executive), Cllr Jim Finucane (Leas‐Cathaoirleach),
At the signing of tenders for a new Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí secondary school were, front from left: Thomas Walsh, Colm McEvoy (Kerry ETB), Cllr Jim Finucane (Leas‐Cathaoirleach), Moira Murrell (Chief Executive KCC) and Anne O’Dwyer (Kerry ETB). Back: Edward O’Neill (Kerry ETB) , Tomás Ó Conchubhair (Chairperson Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí), Noreen O’Connor (Solicitor Kerry County Council), Ruairí Ó Cinnéide Vice-Principal; Seamus Cosaí Fitzgerald, Theresa Deane, Michael Scannell, Cllr Johnny Healy Rae and Cllr Jimmy Moleney. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

THE new Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí secondary school to be located between Hawley Park and University Hospital Kerry took a step closer yesterday.

The site was transferred from Kerry County Council to Kerry Enterprise and Training Board ownership on Monday.

It is hoped that building will commence towards the end of 2017 with a completion date of 2020.

No plans have been drawn up for the school as of yet, but the size of the project will be based on student numbers.

Currently, Gaelcholaiste Chiarraí has 323 students enrolled. The proposed school will accommodate somewhere in the region of 500/600 students depending on demand.

“It’s great that we’re staying in the same side of town,” said Ruairí Ó Cinnéide.

“It’s where we’ve been since 1989. We’re 27 years on the go so hopefully by the time we hit 30 we will be in our new school,” he said.

“What we have to do with the next stage is go through pre-planning meetings, so nothing has been formalised in relation to final plans of yet,” he added.

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An aerial view of the site for the new Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai secondary school which lies between Hawley park on the left and University Hospital Kerry on the right.
An aerial view of the site for the new Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai secondary school which lies between Hawley park on the left and University Hospital Kerry on the right.

The old building in Moyderwell is owned by Kerry ETB and it is intended that the building will continue to be used for education purposes.

“Basically, we are full to capacity at our present location, so it gives us an opportunity to expand because there is a growing demand for all Irish education around the county.”

Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí began life in 1984 based in Tralee Coummnity College in Clash. By 1989 it moved to its current location in Moyderwell where it has remained.

“It’s a great boost for the school between parents and students. It also boosts enrollments too because everyone realises we’re going to a new place. We hope to be start building in 18 months, so it’s time to drive it on now,” said Ruairí Ó Cinnéide.

The site where the new Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai secondary school will be located, viewing from the entrance at Hawley to University Hospital Kerry. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
The site where the new Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai secondary school will be located, viewing from the entrance at Hawley Park to University Hospital Kerry. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.