MDE Installations recently attended the sod-turning ceremony for the highly anticipated new Scoil Íosagáin primary school in Buncrana, marking the official commencement of this significant educational development. The ceremony, which took place on January 20, 2025, was officiated by His Lordship and Patron of the school, Bishop Donal McKeown. Local dignitaries, school representatives, and members of the community gathered to celebrate the beginning of a new era for the school.

The new state-of-the-art facility will accommodate up to 750 pupils and will feature 25 general classrooms, 9 special needs unit (SNU) classrooms, and a variety of ancillary and support spaces to ensure a modern and inclusive learning environment. Designed by Kennedy Fitzgerald Architects, the project aims to provide a spacious and comfortable educational setting that caters to the diverse needs of students and staff.

MDE Installations is proud to be involved in this transformative project and is set to handle the electrical installations once formally appointed as the electrical reserved specialist. With a longstanding reputation for delivering high-quality electrical solutions, MDE is committed to implementing cutting-edge electrical and sustainable energy systems to meet the needs of this ambitious project.

The project will be carried out in three carefully planned phases to ensure minimal disruption to the existing school facilities and the surrounding community. Phase 1 will involve the construction of the first section of the new building on the western side of the site, behind the existing Sacred Heart building. This will allow Sacred Heart to remain fully operational during construction. Once the first phase is completed, the school will transition to the new section, enabling the demolition of the Sacred Heart building and the commencement of Phase 2, which includes constructing the second section of the new school. In the final Phase 3, the school will relocate entirely into the new building, allowing for the demolition of the St. Columba’s building. This space will be redeveloped to include essential infrastructure such as car and bicycle parking, three hard ball courts, and a new internal site service road linking St. Mary’s Road and St. Patrick’s Road.

Minister Charlie McConalogue, who attended the sod-turning event, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that the new school will serve as a vital asset to the community and provide future generations of students with a high-quality learning environment. The principal of Scoil Íosagáin, Sinead McLaughlin, also shared her excitement, emphasising the positive impact the project will have on students, staff, and the wider Buncrana community.

MDE Installations is dedicated to ensuring that the electrical aspects of the project align with the highest industry standards. With expertise in the educational sector, the team will implement advanced electrical systems, energy-efficient lighting, and state-of-the-art safety features to support the school’s long-term operational needs.

As the project moves forward, MDE Installations looks forward to playing a crucial role in bringing this ambitious vision to life, ensuring that Scoil Íosagáin becomes a beacon of educational excellence in Buncrana. The company remains committed to delivering high-quality work while contributing to the success of this landmark development.