Two Meath schools to be built on state-of-the-art campus as project given green light
A long awaited education development in Navan has been granted planning permission, paving the way for the construction of a state-of-the-art campus for Árd Rí Community National School and St. Ultan’s Special School.
Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) has secured approval for the project at Baker Hall, Limekilnhill, which will see the creation of two new purpose-built school buildings, shared facilities, and extensive site works.
The plans include a split-level building for Árd Rí Community National School, featuring both single-storey and three-storey sections with a total floor area of approximately 3,591 square metres.
The new building will house teaching spaces, a physical education hall, a general purpose hall, a special education needs unit, library, administration areas, toilets and changing facilities, external stores, and a variety of social and support spaces.
Alongside it, a separate two-storey building will be constructed for St. Ultan’s Special School, covering an area of approximately 4,359 square metres.
The facility will include a dedicated special education suite, teaching and ancillary spaces, social areas, library, a general purpose hall, and a physical education hall, along with essential support infrastructure such as changing rooms and external stores.
The development will also feature shared outdoor amenities including sports facilities, play areas, open spaces, and landscaping. Provision has been made for car and bicycle parking, plant and bin stores, and a full suite of site services.
Access to the site will be via Baker Hall, with additional pedestrian access points provided to the north and west of the campus.
Revised plans and further information were submitted during the planning process to address local concerns and meet council requirements. The initial planning application was lodged in July 2024.
The proposal drew strong community support, particularly from parents and staff.
In March, the parents’ associations of Árd Rí CNS and St. Ultan’s joined forces to launch a petition urging for the progress of the new school buildings. The petition gathered more than 1,000 signatures in just three days.