News

Cavan/Monaghan, T.D. and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith marked a momentous day for one of Cavan’s most famous educational establishments, when he turned the sod for a new school at the historic St. Patrick’s College, Cavan Town.

Speaking at the sod turning ceremony, Minister Smith said it would be one of the largest school building projects ever undertaken in the County, which was very fitting for one of Cavan’s finest and most historic educational establishments: “St. Patrick’s College has been educating young men here in Cavan Town since 1871 and over the years has deservedly built a reputation for excellence well beyond our County. I was very glad to support the development of this major new chapter in the life of St. Patrick’s and am very honoured to be turning the sod for what will be an investment of over €8 million.  With the completion of this project, St. Patrick’s will have not only one of the most modern facilities of any secondary school in Cavan, but the whole of the country”.

Minister Smith noted that a construction project on such a scale would be a tremendous boost to local employment at a time when it was very much needed. He also pointed out that this was perhaps the finest example of the largest ever school building programme that is currently benefiting all parts of County Cavan.

In conclusion, Minister Smith said: I am really delighted to be here to mark such a momentous new chapter in the history of St. Patrick’s College. 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 County Cavan for many years”.