As expected, planning permission for the new St. Joseph’s High School in Crossmaglen was approved by Newry Mourne and Down District Council last week.
The multi-million pound project was rubber-stamped by planning officials and now moves a step closer to realization, having been in the pipeline for almost ten years. The news has been welcomed by local politicians and current Principal John Jones, who said the approval of plans was a “significant step forward to bringing this much needed project to fruition.”
“It’s been a long journey but we are finally on the path to realising our fantastic new build, with the project already out to tender and a contractor expected to be chosen by the end of May,” said Mr Jones.
The ambitious scheme with a stunning contemporary design is set to change the lives of the local community and its secondary school pupils, who have endured less than ideal conditions in the school building for many years now. At an estimated cost of £14.4 million, the new build will replace the existing St. Joseph’s School and will accommodate 600 pupils.
Paying tribute to everyone who had lobbied and campaigned for the dream project to become a reality, the proud Principal added,
“Our governors and the project board have been brilliant in pushing the scheme along, as well as Terry Hearty and local MLA Megan Fearon, who have been instrumental behind-the-scenes in ensuring the project was kept in progress.
“This brand new build is what the children of south Armagh deserve and need. We are growing as a school, both in pupil numbers and in our academic achievements, so it is only fitting that our hard working children and staff have a learning environment which will encourage and strengthen our growth and success.”
Congratulating all those involved with bringing the vision of the new facility to this stage, local MLA Megan Fearon said the project has been a key priority of hers since she entered the Assembly in 2012 and she added that local Councillor Terry Hearty has for many years passionately pursued the project.
She described the granting of planning permission as “fantastic news for the area and a demonstration of Sinn Féin’s commitment to education.”
“It is fantastic to think that the pupils of St Joseph’s will soon have state of the art facilities and equipment and I know that this will further enhance the educational experience of those attending this exemplary school.”
Ms Fearon said she also believed that a new school build will help solve the dilemma faced by many parents in South Armagh “who understandably want the best standard of education and facilities for their children.”
Expressing his delight, Councillor Terry Hearty said the battle to attain a new school, “has been a long, hard but united and ultimately fruitful campaign.”
“I am proud to be a member of the School’s Board of Governors and also a member of the Project Build Team that was established to oversee and deliver the new school.”
Slieve Gullion SDLP Councillor Pete Byrne also welcomed the progress made on plans for the new school and he had high praise for St. Joseph’s teaching staff there, adding that, despite the “far from ideal” conditions at the present school, “the standard of education is outstanding, with the staff going the extra mile for their students in every way.”
“The Scoil Nua campaign which was led by the school pupils, staff and board of governors ahead of the local elections in 2014 captured the public’s attention and that of the then Education Minister.
“After years of waiting their voices were finally heard. I welcome the announcement that planning permission has been granted and I look forward to witnessing another exciting chapter in the school’s history.”
Welcoming the “long overdue” news, SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh, Justin McNulty said,
“The young men and women of Crossmaglen and indeed wider South Armagh deserve to be educated in a modern fit for purpose school with all the ancillary facilities. That’s what this new development will deliver. I wish the Principal and Board of Governors every success as the project works through to competition.”