Planning permission has been granted for a brand new Kolbe Special School in Portlaoise.
The location for this new school is on the Block Road in Portlaoise and is on the site between the existing Kolbe school building and the Cuisle Centre.
The planning permission for this new school granted by Laois County Council is for 8 general classrooms a GP hall, specialist educational spaces, administration areas, circulation areas and mini bus drop-off spaces and all necessary external play, sports and educational areas.
Minister for State at the Department of Finance, Sean Fleming, welcomed the news.
Deputy Fleming said: “This is a tremendous step forward for this school that deals with children with severe and profound disabilities. Achieving a new Kolbe Special School has been a top priority for me.
“Over the last year I have been in ongoing contact with the school, Laois County Council and the Department of Education to ensure this vital school project proceeds as quickly as possible.
“I want to compliment the Board of Management, the school principal, all staff and the parents for their work in progressing this major new project which is long over-due in Co. Laois.
“The pupils attending the school have been getting the highest possible level of support from the staff in spite of the very poor physical conditions of the existing building which is totally inadequate in this day and age.
“I welcome the development that the planning permission has been granted. This is a major concrete step forward.
“I have already been in contact with the school authorities who have confirmed that in anticipation that planning permission would be granted they are already well advanced in preparing the tender documents so this new school project can move onto the next stage as soon as possible.
“The Department of Education has already authorised Kolbe Special School to prepare the tender documentation.
“I want to assure all staff, parents and the entire school community that I will do all in my power to ensure this project proceeds without any further delays.”
