By Mr. John Moore - Deputy Principal

We were delighted to welcome the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Mr. Darragh O’ Brien TD, to St. Mary’s on Friday 5 May 2023. The Minister was accompanied by Mr. Sean Haughey, TD and Mr. Cathal Haughey, local Fianna Fail election candidate. The Minister was welcomed by the Principal, Dr. Edel Greene, Deputy Principal, Mr. John Moore, our Head Girls and incoming Sixth Year Senior Prefects.

The Minister toured the school to see five construction projects that are at snagging stage. The Minister first visited the Admin Area comprising new entrance area, new office, meeting room, new Principal’s office and ancillary rooms. The area has been designed to take full advantage of natural light. Next up was a visit to the very impressive new toilets which the students think very highly of. The Minister was very impressed with the new Home Economics kitchen which the students spoke highly of. Mr. O’ Brien then visited upstairs projects. Room 13 has been enlarged and it is hoped to have it developed into an audio visual room. Adjoining Room 13 are the new upstairs toilets which are also specified to a very high level. Dr. Greene acknowledged the support of the Minister for Education, Ms. Norma Foley and her Department in the provision of these significant improvements to the school.

Following the tours, Minister O’Brien discussed current developments in St. Marys. The Sports Day was currently taking place in the Coast Park, Baldoyle and the Transition Years were working on a performance of Matilda Jr, the musical, that was to take place later in May. Dr. Greene also updated the Minister on the next projects due to take place shortly in St Mary’s. A new lift is at construction tender stage while the appointed roof consultants are working with the Department regarding the roof. There are also a number of smaller projects in application stage. More serious future developments were also discussed in relation to St. Mary’s continued service as a school for our local community.