The Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) recently reopened its sub-office and Further Education and Training Centre on Lanesboro Street following the completion of refurbishment works costing in the region of €1m.
Works had first started on the listed building in 2014 and its reopening was warmly welcomed by current and former staff at the official launch on Tuesday, 9th of May last.
Welcoming those present for the reopening, GRETB manager, Olivia Connaughton paid tribute all those involved in the works as well as CEO David Leahy and Further Education and Training coordinator Sinead Morgan.
Providing a brief background into GRETB, Olivia said classes first began in Roscommon in 1927 and VTOS classes were eventually relocated to a building behind the current one in 1997.
In 2013, Roscommon Vocational Educational Centre (VEC) amalgamated with its Galway equivalent to form GRETB. Services commenced at the current site at Easter.
GRETB Chairperson Michael Maher said that due to the fact it was a listed building certain features had to be maintained including the main stairway and toilets, but that the heating system, security and lighting had been upgraded. A new lift has also been installed for accessibility. Mr Maher thanked Declan Glynn and all those involved in the refurbishment works.
Further Education and Training Director Sinead Morgan said the refurbished building represented a “new beginning” for further education in Roscommon.
“The challenge now is to expand and move forward and I look forward to that,” she said.
Vice-Chair of the GRETB, Cllr Kathleen Shanagher, said she was “happy and proud” to attend to reopening and acknowledged the work of former principals and staff.
She encouraged prospective students and those returning to education to consider the GRETB.
Wishing staff and students well for the future, she said the reopening of the building was a “great day for Roscommon”.
