Opening of DIFE Extension

The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Ruairí Quinn TD, officially opened a new €900,000.00 extension at Drogheda Institute of Further Education on Monday, 16 May 2011.The 590 sq/m extension has an ICT laboratory, two lecture rooms, two dedicated rooms for Fashion & Interior Design, a career guidance office, a storeroom and a toilet block. Drogheda Institute of Further Education has a current enrolment of 948 students and has a staffing complement of 50.

The Minister commended Co. Louth VEC on its vision and forward thinking in its decision to establish a dedicated centre of Further Education in the town of Drogheda. "The impressive doubling of student numbers, from 467 to 948, since 2004 is evidence that your decision was the correct one" he said. "This success is also due, in no small part, to the professionalism and commitment of your staff".

The large gathering at the event, which was made up of invited guests, staff and students, also heard from Cllr. Anthony Donohoe, Chairperson of Co. Louth VEC, the CEO of Co. Louth Dr. Pádraig Kirk, and College Principal, Mr. David McDonnell.

Speaking at the official opening, Mr. David McDonnell, said that "this was a very proud day for DIFE; the new extension now allows us to consolidate quality teaching and learning at the Twenties site, it provides exciting new opportunities for staff and students alike and demonstrates the commitment of Co. Louth VEC at meeting the educational needs of the people of Drogheda and its surrounding area".

Minister Quinn said that "through access to a quality education students will have the opportunity to acquire both the professional competencies and personal skills to enable them to adapt to the new challenges of today's changing economy."

The new extension has been operating for the last number of months. Co. Louth VEC is currently liaising with the Department of Education and Skills in relation to the building of a new dedicated PLC college in Drogheda which would see DIFE move to a new site with the current building being utilised as a second-level school.