A New Chapter Begins as Greystones Community College Officially Opens €48 Million State-of-the-Art Campus
New 11,000-square-metre education campus built on 12 acre site in Greystones provides a modern home for up to 1,000 students.
Greystones Community College has officially opened its new €48 million, state-of-the-art school campus, marking a landmark moment in the extraordinary growth and development of one of County Wicklow's newest and most vibrant schools.
The official opening brought together students, staff, parents, members of the Board of Management, representatives of the local community, KWETB, the Department of Education and Youth, political representatives and the wider school community to celebrate the completion of a campus that provides a permanent home for the next generation of students in Greystones and Delgany.
The official opening was carried out by Tánaiste Simon Harris TD, Minister for Finance, who formally declared Greystones Community College open. “Today is a milestone achievement and one that everyone in Wicklow can be proud of. I want to thank Principal Ruairí Farrell and his leadership team, the teachers and staff, the Board of Management under Cllr Louise Fenelon Gaskin, Dr Deirdre Keyes and KWETB, the Department of Education and Youth and BAM, who have delivered a campus this town can be proud of for generations. Most of all I want to thank the students themselves and the parents and families of Greystones and Delgany whose advocacy and determination made this happen said Tánaiste Simon Harris TD.
This campus is a great investment in the future of Greystones, Delgany and the wider area. As a Greystones native, it was a privilege to declare it officially open.
The growth and development of the College since its inception in 2020 has been huge, having opened in temporary accommodation with 68 students. The school has grown exponentially in the intervening period, reflecting the rapid growth of the communities it serves and the strong demand for places at the school as their inaugural students completed their Leaving Certificate and graduated this year school.
The new 11,000-square-metre campus, delivered by the Department of Education in conjunction with the contractor BAM Construction, provides capacity for 1,000 pupils and represents a major investment in education in the Greystones community.
The expansive three-storey campus features more than 50 general classrooms, six science laboratories and a comprehensive range of specialist practical and creative learning spaces, including facilities for Technology, Construction Studies, Design Communication Graphics and Multimedia.
The campus also includes a state-of-the-art sports centre, fitness suite, outdoor sports facilities and recreation areas, alongside general-purpose areas, social spaces, a library and dedicated SEN class hubs.
Construction began following the turning of the sod in August 2024, with the building reaching full completion in February 2026.
From a Vision to a New Home
When Greystones Community College was established in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no students, staff, policies or permanent accommodation. There was, however, a vision for what the school could become.
“To leave no stone unturned in creating a dynamic, vibrant and inclusive school of excellence, embedded in the community”
That vision now has a permanent home.
While today's opening represents the completion of a major building project, for Greystones Community College, it is viewed as the beginning of an even more ambitious next chapter in the school’s development. “This building is not a finish line. It is a launchpad.”
As part of the opening ceremony, the students unveiled three ogham stones that connects with the College’s longstanding motto: “Leaving no stone unturned” along with the College’s foundation stones of Respect, Excellence and Pride.
Speaking at the official opening, Chief Executive of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board, Dr. Deirdre Keyes reflected that “KWETB as patron welcomes the opening of Greystones Community College, a multi denominational school that delivers the highest standards of education in ‘an inclusive, respectful and caring environment’ and is inclusive, respectful and accessible to all. While this building is an important achievement, the real life of this school will be created by its students, staff and wider community- this is the true essence of a Community College. It will be a place where young people are encouraged to learn, grow in confidence and develop their talents. A central hub in the Greystones Community”.
A Campus Built for Excellence
The €48 million development provides a comprehensive educational environment designed around the needs of contemporary students and teachers.
The specialist practical rooms and laboratories for Home Economics, Art, Music, Computer Science and Graphics, provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning across a wide range of disciplines.
The campus also places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, connection and participation, with social spaces, recreation facilities, a library, inclusive education provision and extensive sports provision.
For staff, the new campus provides the space and resources to support the continued development of a school that has already achieved significant success despite operating in temporary accommodation in its infancy.
Speaking at the opening, Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD said “Today we are celebrating the creation of a wonderful new learning environment for the young people of Greystones, Delgany and the surrounding area. We are also celebrating the remarkable journey that has brought this school to where it is today.
“I want to thank everyone involved in the design, planning, and construction of this amazing campus. I wish to acknowledge the considerable work undertaken by the Department of Education and Youth, and Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board in bringing this project forward.”
Students at the Heart of the Celebration
The official opening placed the students of Greystones Community College at the centre of the ceremony.
Student Ambassadors welcomed guests, while Head Students Morgan Durston and Anna Dillane represented the student body and delivered the student voice during the proceedings.
Commenting at the official opening, Board of Management Chairperson Cllr. Louise Fenelon Gaskin described a really proud day for all involved:
“This wonderful new school represents an exciting investment in the future of our young people and the wider Greystones community. On behalf of the Board of Management, I am delighted to see this vision become a reality and proud of the hard work, dedication and commitment that has brought us to this day. We look forward with great optimism to all that the school community will achieve together in the years ahead”.
The remarkable building is testament to the efforts of BAM and their Director of Building of BAM Ireland Darren Devane said,
“Delivered on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth, the new campus provides a state-of-the-art, sustainable and inclusive learning environment, bringing students and staff together in a purpose-built setting designed to support excellence in education. Working closely with all stakeholders and supply chain partners, we have delivered a high-quality facility featuring flexible learning spaces, specialist teaching and sports facilities, as well as dedicated SEN class hubs. This investment in education will benefit students, families and the wider community for generations to come.”
Concluding the ceremony in addressing the students of Greystones Community College, College Principal Ruairi Farrell said:
“I don't want you to simply learn history in these classrooms. I want you to leave here ready to write it.”
From temporary accommodation to an 11,000-square-metre campus, Greystones Community College has travelled a remarkable distance. And now, with Respect, Excellence and Pride firmly at its foundation, the school is ready for its next chapter.
“We have never been a school content with simply getting by. We are a school of the highest aspirations, expectations and work ethic. And today, we stand at a whole new level in this fantastic facility.”
Together, we have left no stone unturned….
Photo Credit - John McGowan and Glauce Lucas