After a long wait the new school for Presentation College Athenry is opening for classes on Monday.
This €20 million state of the art Presentation College building will be able to serve 1,000 pupils as demand for education services in the area grows.
It’s taken many years of campaigning by parents, teachers, and the local community for ‘The Pres’ Athenry to get this new facility.
Since first opening its doors in 1947, the Pres has educated three generations of locals in some 70 fine years of work.
Galway East TD Seán Canney congratulated Presentation College on the move to its new school at Ballygurran.
He added that as someone who has worked in education he understands “the importance of providing modern facilities for top class education. In that way, we enable students to maximise their full potential.”
Presentation College isn’t the only major upgrade to Athenry’s education facilities that’s making progress.
Construction got underway on a new school facility for Clarin College last December as is currently expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
“Together these schools will meet the present and future demands for second level education in Athenry,” Seán Canney said
Deputy Canney added that when the new Clarin College is complete, the old campus would be available to develop as primary and secondary gaelscoils for the area.
Cairde Pres, an outreach group made of people who’ve been involved in Presentation College over the years, said that they were feeling nostalgic but excited about the future.
“The students, the teachers and all those involved with ‘The Pres’ helped make so many great memories.”
“We know our lovely new school will help us build more wonderful memories.”
“We look forward to welcoming you all to the new Presentation College at Ballygurraun, Athenry. when we have settled in.”
