Based between The Willows housing estate and Dunshaughlin Industrial Estate, the new secondary school is currently open for first years. It will be a 1000 student multi-denominational, co-educational post primary school when construction is complete, taking in students from Navan to Dunboyne when construction is complete. A two or three storey building is planned with a Campus where the current primary national school St. Seachnaills will transition to after construction.
Mr. Declan Clarke is its new principal with 4 years’ experience as Deputy Principal in Scoil Ui Mhuiri, Dunleer co.Louth. “The big plus for them is the individual attention that they will get because the school will start off small as most schools of this type do and the students who come first will get a great bit of individual attention from teachers,” Declan Clarke said speaking on the new students in Coláiste Ríoga.
Ms Shabana Hussain Dowd is Coláiste Ríoga’s new deputy Principal as it opens its doors for their first students.
Two modern prefabs are currently in place with 23 rooms in one and a metalwork, woodwork, and storage area for the second. Science and history are main subjects with three optionals, one of which is dropped after first year, and French and Spanish for language choices.
The Department of Education and Skills approved the school to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of Dunshaughlin and surrounding areas, the patronage decided by a vote among local parents. It will also accommodate Dunshaughlin Community College in due time as both schools are supported by LMETB.
“This is an exciting educational opportunity for the new students that will be welcomed at the start of the school year on the 1st of September,” LMETB member Nick Killian said. “We have engaged a tremendous group of teaching staff to cover the range of options. I wish Principal Declan Clarke every success with Coláiste Ríoga over the coming years,” Killian said.
Coláiste Ríoga are planning for an Open evening for prospective parents/guardians/students. Depending on Public Health advice this may be a virtual open evening in line with other schools. details regarding this will be available soon and publicised in Dunshaughlin, the wider community. the school website and social media platforms.
Queries regarding Coláiste Ríoga should be forwarded to colaisterioga@lmetb.ie or contact the school by phone on 087 6117987. Prospective parents/guardians and students can also find out more about the school on https://colaisterioga.ie/.
Meath South East News 