Construction of a new 1,000 pupil school building for Clarin College in Athenry has taken a big step forward this week as a contractor for the project has been chosen.
Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon confirmed that the Department of Education has issued a letter of intent to the chosen contractor.
Construction on the new secondary school is expected to begin shortly, either by the end of this month or in October.
When it’s completed, the 1,000 pupil school will have modern sports and meeting facilities, two special needs classrooms, and 90 car parking spaces.
Tenders for the project were first put out in May, with the deadline for applications extended from July to early August.
The department has not announced who the contractor is yet, citing sensitive commercial reasons.
Clarin College, formerly Gairmscoil Mhuire, is getting a double dose of big news as it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The Vocational School Athenry, now called Clarin College, first opened its doors to pupils on September 4, 1968.
To celebrate the milestone a banquet is being held at the Raheen Woods Hotel next month for anyone who has history with the school.
In addition, a commemorative booklet of some of the school’s biggest moments over the past five decades is being gathered.
The party will take place on Saturday, October 13 from 6:30pm, tickets are available from Clarin College or the Raheen Woods hotel.
