The new building was provided as part of the Pilot Public Private partnership project between the Dept. of Education and Science and Jarvis plc. 5 schools (of which Ballincollig Community School is one) were chosen for the project and the private sector were invited to take a stake in the whole-life cycle of the new school building. This involved aligning responsibility for design and construction of the building with that of providing capital finance and of operating and maintaining it over 25 years.

According to Principal, Sean Slowey, the Dept. of Education & Science becomes a purchaser of services for 25 years rather than the buyer of a capital asset ( the school building). “Instead of paying initially for the construction of the school building - as is usual - the Dept. pays a monthly figure to the private partner (Jarvis) in return for the use of the school building - maintained and serviced to agreed standards. This means that the Principal does not have to worry about the maintenance or cleaning of the building.”

The services to be provided are:

• Building management and maintenance services.
• Cleaning, caretaking and security - cleaning and caretaking staff are transferred to Jarvis.
• Catering services - snacks to be provided for sale to pupils.
• The provision and maintenance of telecommunication and IT services.
• Services to third parties - involving the hiring of the gymnasium, the astroturf pitch, classrooms, playing pitches and outdoor tennis and basketball pitches.

After 25 years the building is handed over to the to the Dept. in prime condition . “For this reason and to ensure that maintenance costs are kept to a minimum, there was a strong incentive for Jarvis ( and builder John Sisk & Son ) to construct a building of the quality seen at Ballincollig Community School.”, adds Mr. Slowey.
According to the architects (Coady Partnerships) the site was planned to give easy access and visual prominence to the school and full advantage is taken of the existing landscape character. Existing tree groups are retained where possible and the entrance is accessed across a broad plaza. The central courtyard provides a visual focus for the school and a quiet space for pupil association. The two-storied concourse is the spine of the school. It is broad and opens into three areas for pupil congregation. It also opens to the floor above through rooflit voids and galleries.

The gymnasium is located at one end of the school with access from within the school and from outside. All classrooms are generously lit and naturally ventilated: deeper spaces have clerestory opening windows. Materials are robust. The unpainted block walls in the circulation areas are enlivened with strong natural light and panels of colour. The new building has:

• 7 Science Labs
• 4 dedicated computer rooms
• 4/5 computers in each practical room and Science lab.
• Performing arts area and music room.
• Full sized gymnasium
• Fitness suite.
• Large cafeteria.
• Lockers for all pupils.
• 6 outdoor tennis courts / basketball areas.
• Existing Astro-turf pitch.
• Full sized sand-based playing pitch.