Autism Unit in CPC completed

The keys to the new facility at CPC for second level pupils with autism will be handed over this afternoon, writes Brian Byrne.

The unit was developed by refurbishing some old buildings in the College, including a part of the old stone outhouse which related to a farm once attached to the former convent and boarding school.

The facility will cater for up to six pupils, and the first three will arrive for their second level next week. They have up to now studied in the primary level Autism Unit in Scoil Bhride.

The reconstruction was carried out by the builders, PME Donnelly from Newbridge, to a very tight deadline. "Planning and project development all had to be done within the last school year," says CPC assistant principal Noel Clare. "They could only start work when the exams were over at end of June."

Funding for the project came through the Department of Education and Skills, with some supplement from school funds.