Planning application lodged for new 800 pupil school in Roscrea

A planning application has been lodged with Tipperary County Council for a new secondary school building in Roscrea capable of accommodating 800 pupils.

As Roscrea’s only post-primary school, Coláiste Phobal has grown into a beacon of learning, inclusion, and opportunity for the local community and the school celebrated 25 years at the heart of the community this year.

In 1999 three schools in Roscrea amalgamated to form Coláiste Phobal, the Sacred Heart Convent, the Christian Brothers School and North Tipperary VEC and the next exciting chapter in the school's story looks set to commence next year.

MCOH architects, based in Portlaoise, last week lodged an application to construct a new state-of-the-art building with associated pedestrian, cycling and transport infrastructure and general classrooms, specialist classrooms, a general purpose hall, PE hall, offices, staff room, library, sanitary facilities and ancillary spaces.

The development also includes the provision of the demolition of the existing school buildings and extensions with the demolition/removal of all existing prefabs from the site.

Minor alterations will be made to the retained original school building, with an enlarged school vehicle, pedestrian and cycle entrance from Corville Road, with drop off/collection area, cycle and foot paths, bicycle spaces and 80 car parking spaces with five new ball courts, landscaped gardens, and external social space.

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The new build Secondary School capable of catering for 800 students and estimated to cost in the region of €10-million was first mooted in 2021 and has received the strong backing of elected representatives and educators.

In June of 2022 the design team tasked with designing the new school met on site.

The design team, comprising of representatives from MCOH Architects, KSN Project Management, Nolan Construction Consultants, Downes Associates, Semple and McKillop, Reddy Architecture and Urbanisation and KSN Project Management, met with school management team Jack Flynn and Ciara Ormand, as well as Breda Cuneen, Head of Capital Buildings, Tipperary Education and Training Board.

The new school will be built on the site of Coláiste Phobal on Roscrea's Corville Road to cater for 800 students and will include four ASD Autism Classes, bringing the total complement of students to 824.

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Part of the current school building will be preserved and will become an adult education centre.

A decision on the planning application is expected in February and submissions on the application can be made by January 30th.