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Minister Smith said that he had been informed by his colleague, An Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Ms. Mary Coughlan, T.D., that following a competitive tender, the contract for this major project is being awarded to the preferred bidder, which will allow for construction to begin immediately.

“This news is a tremendous lift to St. Patrick’s College, Cavan Town and County and a marvellously deserved recognition for St. Patrick’s College which has been providing the highest quality of education in the Town since 1871. The new school will allow St. Patrick’s to build upon its reputation for excellence and give it the most modern facilities which will be for the benefit of second level students for many decades to come.

The Minister also confirmed that this will be a major construction project and will generate much needed local employment.

The overall cost, including construction and fit-out with the most modern facilities and equipment will amount to an investment by the Government well in excess of € 8 Million.  This will be one of the largest school building projects ever undertaken in the County.

“Despite the difficulties with the public finances, record amounts have been allocated to the school building programme with Cavan being a particular beneficiary. I am really delighted to be in a position to confirm that a very exciting new chapter in the history of St. Patrick’s College is about to begin. I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Principal, Dr. Liam McNiffe and his staff, the Board of Management and the Parents’ Association and compliment the Department of Education and Skills for facilitating what will be one of the finest developments for second level education in Co. Cavan for many years”, Minister Smith concluded.