Large scale capital project approved for local Longford school

The amalgamation of St Mel's College and Meán Scoil Mhuire in Longford town took a giant leap forward on Friday as the Department of Education confirmed to local Oireachtas members that the Government would be supporting the development of a major school capital project under the Large Scale Capital Programme.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in the amalgamation journey of the schools, with plans for a new 1,200-pupil post-primary school, six Special Education Needs (SEN) classrooms, a major new extension on the St Mel’s College site and refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing buildings.

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Longford Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy, who said it will be delivered through the Major Devolved programme, stated, "This is one of the most important education investments ever announced for Longford.

"The project will provide state-of-the-art facilities for current and future generations of students, supporting academic, social, and SEN needs in a modern, future-proofed school environment.

"I will continue working closely with the Department of Education to ensure progress as quickly as possible."

Local Fianna Fáil Senator Joe Flaherty described the approval of the large scale capital project as a significant announcement .
"This significantly advances the planned merger of two of the town’s secondary schools – St Mel’s College & Meán Scoil Mhuire.

"The Dept of Education has approved the development of a 1,200 pupil school and additional SEN classrooms. The brief for the project includes the construction of a large extension at St Mel’s College and the refurbishment and reconfiguration of some existing school accommodation.

"The project approval is to be welcomed and is timely as the two schools works towards a phased amalgamation from September 2027."

The board of management of St Mel's College sought planning permission in early-October to conserve and upgrade the 160 year old school building, its chapel, and its 110 year old study hall - all protected structures - as plans are set in motion to accommodate the 2027 amalgamation of St Mel's with Meán Scoil Mhuire.

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St Mel's, which currently has 603 pupils, will see its student population increase to approximately 1,200 once the amalgamation is complete and it becomes known as Coláiste Mel agus Mhuire.

Given the increase in numbers, a variety of improvements to the historic building are vital.

In addition to the proposed conservation and upgrade of the building, the planning application also outlines plans to demolish a number of extensions built in the 1930’s and 1960’s, namely the single-storey, two-storey and four-storey rear extensions.