Green light for contractor to build new Kolbe Special School in Laois

“The Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, has confirmed everything is in order and the contractor is in a position to commence construction, now that his insurance and other details have been clarified,” said Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State.

The Letter of Acceptance was issued by the Department on Friday, April 19, now that everything is completed from the contractor’s side, added Deputy Fleming.

“The timeline to build this new school is 18 months. This is a very good day for the children and all involved in Kolbe Special School,” he said. “I want especially to thank the school management, teachers and staff, parents and everyone involved for all their work and support for this new Special School.

“I have been in constant contact with Norma Foley TD, since she was appointed Minister for Education. In that time, I have worked with the school in relation to the design of the new school, with Laois County Council in relation to the planning application and fire certs etc. and I also helped ensure the appeal to An Bord Pleanala which could have delayed this project was withdrawn.

“I was then involved in ensuring tender documents for the new school were prepared and were submitted in a timely basis to the Department and that ultimately a builder was identified for the project.

“Now that the contractor has completed all the details at his end, I have ensured the Letter of Acceptance has been issued by the Department today.

“During the last General Election, I promised my Number One priority would be to deliver a new school for Kolbe Special School. When Sean Fleming makes a promise, he delivers on it,” added the Laois Offaly TD.

Kolbe Special School at the Block Road in Portlaoise specifically caters for children aged 4-18, within the severe to profound learning disability spectrum and, or autism. Currently the school has 44 pupils.