Minister Heather Humphreys visits Ballybay Community College to officially open the new school extension

On Friday 27 October, Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) welcomed Minister Heather Humphreys TD (Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection) to Ballybay Community College to officially open the new school extension, which was completed in 2023.

Minister Humphreys was welcomed to Ballybay Community College by student representatives from the Student Council, Rosie Croakin (Principal), Conall O’Grianna (Deputy Principal), PJ O’Hanlon (CMETB Chairperson), Micháel Martin (Chairperson, Board of Management), Dr Fiona McGrath (Chief Executive, CMETB) and Berni Power (Director of OSD, CMETB).

The project consisted of a two-story extension which featured two new general classrooms, science laboratories and a prep room. The extension project was completed by contractor Broomfield Construction along with Niall Smith Architects and Alan Clarke & Associates Civil and Structural Engineering.

The Minister enjoyed a tour of the new school facilities led by Principal Rosie Croarkin where students had set up science experiments to showcase to the Minister and guests.  Minister Heather Humphreys was then invited to cut the ribbon to unveil a new plaque to commemorate the opening of the school extension.

During the opening ceremony, Minister Humphreys praised the new extension for its state-of-the-art facilities, emphasising their significance in fostering educational opportunity for today’s students and for years to come. She particularly underscored the importance of the subject of sciences, shedding light on the exciting career prospects and opportunities it presents.

Speaking at the opening, Dr. Fiona McGrath (Chief Executive, CMETB) said:

“Ballybay Community College has a long history of delivering excellence in education, which is evident in the transformation of the school throughout the years. The extension represents CMETB’s commitment to providing the best possible facilities and resources to the school communities in which we serve. Among CMETB’s objectives is the promotion of high-quality teaching and learning, and the overall wellbeing of our students.”

PJ O’Hanlon, (Chairperson, CMETB) said:  “This expansion marks an exciting chapter for Ballybay Community College.  I have served on the Board of CMETB for a number of years now and I am amazed by the significant investment in Education and Training that has come into our region from Government in recent times.

Investing in school facilities is an investment in the future. Investment (like the extension project we have seen today) highlights CMETB’s commitment to providing world-class facilities to increase educational and life opportunities for our young people in our region.”