New ASD unit for college in Macroom

A MACROOM school has unveiled its state-of-the-art unit for students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Students, teachers, members of the Cork Education and Training Board (CETB) and guests gathered to celebrate the official opening at McEgan College. 

Having successfully secured permission for this vital unit from Cork County Council and An Bord Pleanála in June of 2017, the work was completed in recent months and the modern, fully-equipped space is now in operation.

 McEgan College is a co-educational school providing a broad curriculum to girls and boys up to Leaving Certificate level, catering for school-going children from Macroom and its rural hinterland. 

The new ASD unit will now be able to accommodate eight students with a mild to moderate general learning disability (MGLD). 

The educational space comprises one state-of-the-art classroom, a universal access toilet/shower room and a ‘quiet’ room.

 Consultants Bertie Pope & Associates had been appointed by the college to ensure that all steps and statutory requirements were met to prepare the site for the all-important build.

 In attendance at last Friday’s official opening were teachers and students of McEgan, along with parents, and Ted Owens and Pat McKelvey, both from CETB. 

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed, officiated at the opening, described as a special day for the school.

 ‘It’s a wonderful day for the broader Macroom community but bears particular significance to the students of McEgan College, who will directly benefit from this new unit,’ said Mr McKelvey. ‘Since planning permission was initially granted, we have been waiting patiently for this day to come and we are so grateful to all who had a hand in this fantastic project. 

‘The teachers here in McEgan College continuously have the best interests of their young students at heart and with the addition of this new facility, they will be able to cater for those that need it most, helping them to grow and develop through education and meet their full potential,’ he added.