*Mol an Óige in Ennistymon.
PLANS for a new two-storey school in Ennistymon have been lodged with Clare County Council.
Dublin architects Quilligan-Scally acting on the behalf of Limerick and Clare ETB made the application this month. The new school building will serve as a home for Mol an Óige CNS if granted.
The planning department has received an application for the “construction of a new two-storey school building (1863.6 m2) incorporating eight classrooms, general purpose room, library, offices, resource and learning rooms and associated ancillary accommodation; and a single classroom Special Education Needs Unit with associated facilities”.
The proposed site, located northwest of Ennistymon is proposed to include “pedestrian and vehicular transport layout including internal roads and turning areas, pedestrian paths, parking for nineteen cars, bus and car drop off areas and right of way access points to neighbouring properties”.
An ecological assessment found that there would be little to no impact on species such as bats and the redwing. The report found that “the proposed development will result in the permanent transformation of grassland to built land. The site had no roosting potential for these species and the proposal is unlikely to impact on the feeding habitat of the species”.
The current school is located west of Ennistymon town centre, 350m away from the proposed relocation site. The school currently caters for 114 pupils and 16 staff members. The new school will boost capacity to 250 students and 25 staff members if granted.
Students at the school are educated through the ‘Steiner approach” which the school says, “emphasises experiential, creative and active learning with a view to fostering resilience, independence and lifelong learning skills”. The school is multi denominational and welcomes students from all backgrounds. Mol an Óige does not feature any form of formal religious education.
Despite the potential increase in students and staff, the new primary school is not expected to have an adverse impact on traffic in the North Clare town. A traffic report published with the application found that “the existing N67 / L1050 priority junction will operate within capacity with no queues and minimal delays when the school is operational in 2027, year of opening, 2032, five years after completion and in 2042, fifteen years after completion”.
The school has experienced a steady increase in enrolment in recent years, leading to the need for a new purpose-built facility at double the current capacity.
If planning permission is granted, the new primary school is slated to open in 2027. The planning department is due to make a decision on the development by the June 26th.
