Apr 19, 2010

31 Schools to benefit under Summer Works Scheme

Virginia College and Laragh NS approved for major projects

Schools in County Cavan have received a massive funding boost this week which has been warmly welcomed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Cavan/ Monaghan, T.D., Mr. Brendan Smith. As well as two schools being approved for major accommodation projects, a further 31 other schools in the County have been included in this year’s Summer Works Programme, which will allow for extensive upgrading and improvement works to be undertaken.

 

During a visit to Virginia College and Laragh NS on Friday last, the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Ms. Mary Coughlan T.D., accompanied by Minister Smith, announced that both schools have been included in the Government’s €579 million school building programme. This will allow for the construction of 8 new classrooms at Virginia College and 4 new classrooms and large-scale ancillary accommodation at Laragh NS.

 

Minister Smith said that the approval of the funding was a very timely and significant boost for both schools which were making such a positive impact in their local communities. “As well as benefiting from a major €7 million extension in 2004, Virginia College was approved for almost €200,000 in funding last year under the Summer Works Scheme and a further €85,000 for fencing and energy efficiency. This latest grant will allow the College to significantly expand its teaching capacity and to greatly enhance the quality of learning it so excellently imparts.

 

I’m especially delighted that Laragh NS has got such great news. I was acutely aware of the strong case the school made to improve accommodation and a more suitable learning environment for the children. I was glad to support a comprehensive submission made by the Board of Management of the school to the Department and I’m satisfied that this major funding will ensure that the accommodation requirements can now be met”, the Minister said.

 

Before Easter Minister Smith also announced the approval of major building projects at Kildallon National School and also at St. Mogue’s National School, Currin.

 

In addition to this tremendous news, Minister Smith also announced that 31 schools throughout County Cavan have been included in the Summer Works Scheme 2010. Inclusion in the scheme will allow the schools involved to undertake essential upgrading and repair work and in many instances will involve substantial building and improvement projects at individual schools.

 

The following 31 schools have been included:

• St. Clare’s primary school, Cavan Town
• Corliss N.S., Killeshandra
• Cavan 1 N.S., Cavan Town
• Farnham N.S., Cavan Town
• Killygarry N.S.
• St. Mary’s National School, Virginia
• St. Brigid’s N.S., Ballyconnell
• St. Mary’s N.S., Drung
• St. Anne’s National School, Bailieborough
• Drumkilly N.S., Kilnaleck
• St. Brigid’s N.S., Killoughter
• Knocktemple N.S., Munterconnaught
• Kilmore Central N.S.
• Butlersbridge N.S.
• Mullahoran Central N.S., Kilcogy
• Ballynarry N.S., Ballyheelan
• Cabra Central N.S., Kingscourt
• St. Joseph’s N.S., Kingscourt
• St. Clare’s College, Ballyjamesduff
• St. Bricin’s Vocational School, Belturbet
• Virginia College
• Cavan Institute
• St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Cootehill
• The Vale National School, Bailieborough
• Bailieborough Community School
• Scoil Mhuire, Swanlinbar
• St. Aidan’s National School, Bawnboy
• St. Mary’s N.S., Belturbet
• Crossreagh N.S., Mullagh
• Carraigabruise N.S., Virginia
• St. Patrick’s N.S., Bruskey

 

“This is one of the brightest days for the education sector in Cavan in recent times which touches all parts of our County. It is the latest in a series of recent funding announcements for schools in the County and reflects this Government’s ongoing commitment to improving and modernising school buildings and facilities. Despite the very serious pressures on our public finances, the Government has chosen to continue investing in a very substantial school building programme and I am very glad that County Cavan is a major beneficiary.  Not only will thousands of children and young people benefit from improved facilities, these announcements are a big shot in the arm to the local construction sector who have been experiencing considerable difficulties of late, the Minister added.

 

The Cavan/Monaghan T.D. and Minister, complimented school Principals, and their respective Boards of Management, and Parents’ Associations wishing them every success for the future.

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