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11 Mar 2026
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11 Mar 2026
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Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge. Photo: Google Maps.
A Waterford secondary school is finally set for a permanent building after it was granted planning permission for a major extension.
Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge has operated out of prefabricated structures in Ballygunner since it moved there in 2011.
However, those structures are set to be demolished under the newly-approved plans for the site.
The development will see the demolition of the entirety of the current school, including the 14 classrooms, offices, toilet blocks and astroturf pitch.
The current temporary creche facility, which consists of a prefabricated single storey building and an outdoor play area, is also set to be demolished.
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In its place, a new standalone post primary school building is set to be constructed.
It will be approximately 5,573 square metres in size and accommodate 12 general classrooms and two special education units.
There are also plans for a multimedia room, music room, textile room, design room, graphics room, art room and engineering room.
As well as that, the school will house two science laboratories, a construction studies room and a home economics room.
There are also provisions for a library, two multi-purpose halls, a fitness suite and a staff room.
Outside the building itself, works are planned to realign the roadside boundary and reconfigure the entrance to the school.
There are plans for two gates, a public drop-off area and a bus stop, as well as a new front boundary wall.
A new car park is also proposed, with a total of 48 car spaces and 70 bike spaces.
As well as that, three ball courts and a new astroturf pitch are set to be constructed. A number of associated site works are also planned.
The planning application was submitted by the Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton, on August 1, 2025.
Waterford City and County Council granted permission for the development on February 26, with 14 conditions attached.
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