Minister Brendan Howlin performed the official opening of Creagh College at Gorey today. Pic: Christy Farrell.

Creagh College’s magnificent state-of-the-art campus at Gorey, with 400 students on the rolls, although that figure is expected to reach 1,000 in a few years, was officially opened today by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, T.D.

Speaking at a creative and inspiring ceremony which strongly featured the students at the new college, Minister Howlin, paid tribute to everyone who helped get the project completed.

“I know Gorey has been in need of a second post-primary school for over a decade. I am sure you were all delighted when the Minister for Education and Skills announced the third bundle of PPP schools and that Creagh College, Gorey, was one of eight schools included in that bundle,” said the Minister.

He continued: “County Wexford VEC as it was at the time, was selected by the Department of Education and Skills to be the patron body of this new school in line with the strong preference by local parents for a multi-denominational, inclusive and innovative school.”

The college first opened in a temporary building in September 2011 and in April 2014 relocated to its permanent state of the art, purpose built facility in Creagh Woods, off the Carnew Road, on the western side of the town.

All new entrants to Creagh College use their own personal iPad, replacing traditional textbooks and opening up an exciting array of learning opportunities.

The college has organised an excellent finance package with Gorey Credit Union to help families finance the iPad and associated costs.

Creagh College operates under the auspices of the Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board and a Board of Management including representatives from al the local primary school patron bodies.

Full coverage in next week’s Echo newspapers.