The school is set to benefit from a multi-million pound investment to facilitate the development two brand new school blocks which will create up to 15 new jobs at the school. 

Planning permission has been submitted for phase one of the development which will include 11 new classrooms, office areas, toilets and resource areas costing around £2 million. 

Phase two of the development is set to progress later in the year and will cost around £4.5 million. This block will include specialised accommodation for subjects such as ITC, technology and media.  The Lisnaskea school now caters for over 700 students since the amalgamation of St Comhghall’s and St Eugene’s in Roslea in September 2017. 

Principal Gary Kelly explained that the school is ‘over-subscribed’ and the extension will cater for the increasing numbers of students.

“We currently have 700 students in the school, but it was built for around 500. We need more accommodation for our students so this is fantastic but well needed. The school has grown by over 100 pupils in two years and this planned expansion will take in more students in the next year or two. 

“We have over 100 first years coming in this year, and we have 100 year 13 students enrolled so it is a great time for St Kevin’s.”

While it is a boost for the school, Mr Kelly believes this major investment will be extremely beneficial to the wider area.

“This is fantastic for the whole area. This investment shows that this is a long term sustainable school and it is great to see an investment of this size in education. 

“Additionally, this will hopefully bring employment to local companies, more staff will be required, and it will attract more people to the area. 

“I think we are currently one of the biggest employers in south-east Fermanagh with over 100 people employed at full time.”

Local Councillor Garbhan McPhillips has welcomed the news of the major extension at the busy school. 

“This is not only a major boost for the school but a boost for Lisnaskea and the widerh area. 

“St Kevin’s is an excellent school that provides our young people with a great education. 

“Standards have been set very high and have been maintained for many years now.”