At the unveiling of new extension plans for Coláiste Gleann Lí were front row, from left: Mary Anne Lowney, pupil Aisha Hassan, Colm McEvoy (CEO Kerry ETB), pupil Paul McCarthy, Ann O’Dwyer (EO of Kerry ETB). Back row, from left: Ger Heaslip (Chairperson of Parents Council), Edward O’Neill (Buildings Officer, Kerry ETB), Stephen O’Sullivan (Architect), Jim Finucane (Mayor of Tralee), Richard Lawlor (Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí). Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
EXCITING new plans were unveiled by Kerry Education and Training Board on Monday, promising that Coláiste Gleann Lí Post Primary School will be extended, refurbished and upgraded, this summer.
The plans will be submitted for planning to Kerry County Council following the ETB monthly meeting this week and building works are scheduled to commence in early June, with an expected completion for students’ return in late August 2015.
In addition to these physical changes, Coláiste Gleann Lí will become an ICT school of the future and infrastructure to support this initiative will be installed as part of the plans.
It is intended to extend the school building to facilitate the development of an ICT/ Creative Arts Centre as well as a host of specialist classrooms ensuring that Coláiste Gleann Lí will become a market leader in the delivery of an innovative and creative ICT led education.
These plans mark the second phase of a two phased development process, part one of the ambitious project was completed last summer and saw the refurbishment of a cross section of specialist classrooms.
This latest plan ensures that, in tandem with the usual second level subjects offered in all schools, Coláiste Gleann Lí will be enabled to offer modern courses in ICT, Robotics and Programming to prepare students for highly sought after third level courses and careers in these areas.
Mr. Richard Lawlor, Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí welcomed the plans describing them as a vote of confidence in the modern and innovative teaching approaches adopted by his staff.
He welcomed the extension to the school describing it as highly necessary given the unprecedented increase in enrolments in recent times. “Last year’s enrolments were a staggering 200% increase on the previous year and our recent Open Day was an overwhelming success”.
