New extension plan for Birr school takes step forward

Tenders are to be sought for the construction of additional accommodation at an Offaly primary school.

The planned development providing additional accommodation for St Brendan’s PS, Birr, is progressing well, the school said this week, with the project to go out to construction tender in the coming weeks.

This DES-approved project which received planning permission in 2023 has since been in development with a design team led by Kenny Lyons and Associates.

The new building will provide a single-storey extension consisting of a special educational needs unit and support rooms to the east of the existing building along with associated site works.

St Brendan's PS said: “This new accommodation promises to be a fantastic support for our special classes in both Autism and Mild General Learning difficulty.

“The new SEN rooms and special educational needs unit will enable children and staff to work in the most modern setting available and will greatly enhance the teaching and learning environment for all concerned.

“The exciting new design will also provide for a new entrance to the school which will fit seamlessly with the existing building which traces its history back to 1878.”

“The Board of Management under Chairperson Pat Teehan look forward to the next stage where we hope to have construction begin in early 2025 as the school continues to develop and evolve to meet the needs of our local community in Birr.”