St Mark’s celebrates official opening of new school campus
- Kare
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
St Mark’s special school marked a major milestone last week with the official opening of its newly redeveloped campus.
The multi-year construction project has transformed the site on Station Road, Newbridge, providing modern, purpose-built facilities for students, who are children and young adults with mild general learning difficulties.
Initial works began in November 2023 and were completed in late May 2025, funded by the Department of Education and Youth (DEY) and procured and delivered by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).
The new facility has 14 classrooms, a general purpose hall, sensory room, home economics classroom, construction studies room and a dedicated daily living skills room. The external grounds now include two basketball courts and a new yard area.
The extensive redevelopment which includes bright, well-designed learning spaces has already had an impact on both students and staff. Students with mobility and sensory needs are benefitting from improved accessibility and calmer, more regulated environments.
Established in March 1974, St Mark’s provides education for students aged 5–18 with mild general learning difficulties in an empowering and supportive environment. Student numbers have grown from 95 to a projected 115 by September 2026, reflecting increasing need for specialist education in the region. Kare, which supports children and adults who have intellectual disabilities across Kildare, west Wicklow and east Offaly, is Patron of the school.
The St Mark’s community came together with Minister Martin Heydon TD and representatives of the DEY, NDFA and Kare for the opening ceremony, which featured performances by the school choir and student drumming group.
St Mark’s Principal, Ross Dignam, said the new building represents both progress and continuity for the school community: “We are incredibly grateful to the Department of Education and Youth for funding this project and to the National Development Finance Agency for delivering it, and we are delighted with the result. Our new campus provides bright, spacious classrooms and specialist facilities that are making a real difference to our students every day.
“St Mark’s has always been defined by our inclusive, family-like atmosphere, and we are proud that this new space now reflects and supports that spirit. Our focus now is on continuing to nurture this environment so that our current and future students are supported to thrive.”
Margaret O’Neill, CEO of Kare, said the development strengthens the school’s ability to support students to thrive: “St Mark’s has been providing specialist education to our communities for over five decades, and this new building ensures that students now have facilities that match the quality of teaching and care already in place. As Patron, we are proud to see this investment in inclusive education and in the young people and families it serves.”
Noeleen Burke, Chair of St Mark's Board of Management said: "On behalf of the Board of Management, it is a pleasure and privilege to be here today and see the results of the vision, commitment and dedication to building a new St Mark's school. St Mark's has enhanced students' abilities, encouraged their exploration of the world in a safe and secure environment and afforded them opportunities. I know what this new school means to our present students and their families and especially to our future generations – we are building for the future."
