Exciting new plans for the amalgamation of St. Aloysius and St. Joseph’s, Summerhill – Hopkins

Councillor Maura Hopkins has praised the ongoing work being carried out by the management of St. Aloysius and St. Joseph’s schools in progressing the amalgamation of both schools on September 1^st  2017.

It was announced earlier this year by the patron of both schools, the Bishop of Elphin, the Most Rev. Kevin Doran that the new school will be built on the existing 28 acre site at Summerhill. In November, the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan announced that the construction of a new state-of-the art co-education school had been authorised through the Capital Funding Plan. The new school will accommodate 800 students and serve the ever growing population of Monksland. Construction on site will begin in 2018.

“After a recent meeting with  relevant stakeholders  of both schools, it is clear that huge work is being undertaken to plan for this fantastic new facility which is greatly needed in the area” stated Cllr. Hopkins. “Over 600 school places are expected to be needed in the Athlone area over the next 5-8 years and the development of the site at Summerhill college will provide a state of the art facility in Monksland to serve West Athlone and the wider region. Monksland is a growing and developing area very important to Roscommon and I am happy to see it receiving the investment that it deserves”.

Work has already begun in Summerhill to  prepare a football training pitch and the new school will have a 600 square metre modern gymnasium, along with 400 square metre ancillary facilities, the first of their kind in the area. An application has also been made for the  new school to be have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder Unit.

“Having met with those involved in the project, it has been hugely encouraging  to see the level of co-operation and care being taken to ensure that the amalgamation of the two historic schools runs smoothly for all involved, and to maximise the standard of education and facilities which students will now have access to. I have been informed by  the Department of Education and Skills that the very best of facilities and modern equipment will be provided in the new school and the students of the area will benefit from the finest education standards in this modern era.

“The coming together of both schools will mean that the young adults of Athlone will benefit from top of the range facilities, and that Monskland and its surrounding areas will benefit from this large investment. Locals should be proud of the fantastic facilities that will soon be on their doorstep which will serve children and young adults of the area into the future.

“I want to sincerely congratulate all those who are involved in the project and wish them the very best of luck as plans progress and this fantastic new facility is established”.