Vision that started in 2006 nears realisation

Principal of Saplings School Mullingar, Ursula Smyth received the keys to the impressive new school building on Lynn Road on Friday morning December 6, from the main building contractor JJ Rattigan.

On an emotional and historic day for the entire school community, Ursula reflected on how it all started in February 2006 as a vision by a group of courageous and committed parents and supporters, led by the chairperson of the school, Jude Lagan.

A 13-year journey has now culminated in the reality of the completion of a state of the art school building for students with autism and complex needs.

Ms Smyth said it was an extremely proud day for the Saplings school community and the provision of the new school building is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, past and present, who have spent a number of years working in temporary accommodation.

The school follows the primary school curriculum for students up to the age of 13, and the L1LP and L2LP curriculums are used for the older students.

Ms Smyth also added that the new teaching and learning facilities and outdoor recreational space will significantly enhance the education that the school can offer our students.

The school will open its doors for the pupils on Tuesday December 17.

“I would like to give a special mention of gratitude to the design team in the Building and Planning Unit of the Department of Education Skills in Tullamore who have created a beautiful learning environment for our students,” said the principal.

“A particular mention for Ciaran Dunne, senior technical officer with the Department of Education and Skill, who liaised very closely with the board of management from the start to the completion of the project.

“Thank you to Kieran Kelly and Padraig Price of KSN Project Management Ltd for their role as the project management team on behalf of Department of Education and Skills.”

The project was completed by Rattigan building contractors and the project manager Ronald Regan and his team have done an outstanding job.

“Over the years Saplings School has been a recipient of the generosity and goodwill of members of the local and wider community, and the school is indebted to all its parents, benefactors, fundraisers, volunteers, businesses and public representatives for all their tireless efforts and commitment.

“All at Saplings are now eagerly looking forward to the commencement of the next chapter in the school’s journey, and look forward to settling into our now permanent home at Lynn Road,” Ms Smyth concluded.