Work started this week on the new €9.5 million extension to Davis College in Mallow. The extension will consist of a new stand-alone three-storey 5,000 square metre building, with classrooms, science laboratories, social areas, administration rooms and a special education needs unit with associated ancillary accommodation. It will also incorporate specialist engineering, construction, art, home economics, music and DCG rooms, while the external element of the project will include a full-size playing pitch, basketball courts, car-parking, landscaping and storage areas. The existing building, which is still in very good condition, will remain an integral part of the school, with plans to give over one of the wings to the Gaelcholáiste. Work will take up to 18 months to complete, after which time the school will be able to accommodate 1,000 students. News that the construction had begun was welcomed by Principal Stephen Gilbert, and Chairman of the Board of Management Noel O’Connor.