New two-storey school granted planning approval in Tullamore
Offaly County Council has granted planning permission for a new two-storey school building for Offaly School of Special Education.
The council issued the further information request to the applicant, the Minister for Education, on June 20.
The Minister for Education had earlier this year lodged a planning application for the new building designed to replace the existing Offaly School of Special Education at Kilcruttin.
The new building, to include 12 classrooms for pupils with special education needs, is earmarked for a 2.3 acre greenfield site owned by the Department of Education at Norbury Woods Avenue. The site is located just off Collins Lane to the north of Tullamore, and is adjacent to the existing Educate Together National School.
In addition to 12 classrooms, the plans also make provision for a general purpose hall; dedicated rooms for music, home economics, art, daily living skills and practical activity; multi-sensory rooms, library, administration areas, sanitary facilities and associated ancillary accommodation. The new school will also include a GP room and therapy spaces.
A new vehicular and pedestrian site entrance from Norbury Woods Avenue is also proposed, along with a covered walkway between the school and the bus set down.
Offaly County Council sought further information on the project in June. On foot of receipt of a further information response from the applicant, the council granted planning permission subject to eleven conditions today.
Welcoming the decision, Cllr Sean O'Brien said it would provide "long awaited top class facilities for the students who will attend there".
"These students are currently attending a temporary facility in Kilcruttin which is not suitable for their needs. The Principal and Staff have done a fantastic job attempting to provide the students with the best possible education and I thank them for their great commitment. I hope the construction of this much needed school commences as soon as possible."