merrion street

Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí is part of a Public Private Partnership Bundle of 5 post primary schools and 1 primary school. The six new schools in this PPP Bundle became operational in late 2011 and provide new accommodation for a total of 4,700 pupils. The six schools were designed by domestic design consultants. Construction was completed in less than 18 months. The Capital Cost of this project is approximately €80 million, funding for which was provided by a club of banks consisting of Bank of Ireland, NIBC and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí can now provide 700 student places in the new school building along with a special need unit. The school currently has 646 students and a staff of 92.

Speaking at the official opening of the school Minister Sherlock stated that "as Minister for Research and Innovation I am delighted to see that these resources include information and communications technologies, multi media learning laboratories, science laboratories, woodwork and engineering rooms. These facilities reflect the vision of the VEC and its CEO for future education directions.”

Under the PPP model, the schools were designed, built, financed and will be maintained for 25 years by MPFI. One of the main advantages PPP schools have is that the principal isn’t involved on a daily basis in maintenance and caretaking issues. These become the responsibility of the PPP operator for the period of the contract.

Minister Sherlock stated that “this allows the schools’ management and staff to concentrate on their core educational duties and it is a particularly attractive feature of the PPP process.”

The Minister concluded by thanking all those involved in this impressive developments and wishing students and teachers continued success in their new school.